Posted: January 20, 2010
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees today approved changing the name of St. Cloud Technical College to St. Cloud Technical and Community College.
The name change, which takes effect immediately, complements the board’s decision in November to expand the mission of the college to that of a comprehensive technical and community college.
The new mission will enable the college to offer the first two years of a liberal arts degree so students can transfer to a four-year institution, such as St. Cloud State University, and continue its various technical and career programs.
“The board’s action shows the system’s continued focus on increasing access to higher education,” said David Olson, the board chair. “We are committed to providing more opportunities for Minnesotans to enter and complete post-secondary programs.”
Chancellor James H. McCormick said: “The new mission and name change reflect a response to a growing demand in the St. Cloud area for higher education. I believe the college and the university will work well together to raise the educational attainment in this area, which, in turn, will benefit the state’s economy.”
“We are pleased that the trustees agreed with the new mission and name change,” said St. Cloud Technical College President Joyce Helens. “The two-year transfer program will emphasize increasing the academic success of students seeking four-year degrees and transferring to St. Cloud State University.”
The college offers certificate, diploma and degree programs that can be completed in two years or less in more than 90 career majors as well as liberal arts and sciences courses. Each year, the college serves about 5,400 students.