Posted: June 16, 2010
Contact: Doug Anderson, doug.anderson@MinnState.edu, 651-201-1426
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees today approved expanding the mission of Alexandria Technical College to a comprehensive technical and community college and changing the college’s name.
The new name, which is Alexandria Technical and Community College, and new mission take effect immediately. The new mission will allow the college to offer the first two years of a liberal arts degree so students can transfer to a four-year institution. The college will continue to offer technical and career programs that lead directly to jobs.
“Expanding the college’s mission fits well with the board’s strategic goal of providing more opportunities for Minnesotans to enter and complete post-secondary programs,” said David Olson, the board chair.
Chancellor James H. McCormick said: “Alexandria has a solid history of providing excellent technical and career programs, which are critical for the state. But it is also important for the college to respond to a growing demand for a two-year liberal arts degree.”
College President Kevin Kopischke said: “We are pleased that the trustees agreed with the new mission and name change. The two-year transfer program means residents in this area can get a good start on a four-year degree at a reasonable cost. We will continue to provide an array of technical and career programs that have a very strong job placement track record.”
The college offers more than 50 programs that lead to certificate, diploma and degrees and can be completed in two years or less. Each year, the college serves about 3,700 students.