October 3, 2018
Pictured left to right: Mike Curfman, TRF Academic Dean, NCTC; Representative Deb Kiel, R-MN District 1B; Dennis Bona, President, NCTC; Representative Dan Fabian, R-MN District 1A; Shannon Jesme, VP Administrative Services, NCTC; James Retka, Dean, Workforce Development, Athletics Director, NCTC.
OCTOBER 3, 2018 Northland Community & Technical College was recently honored with a House resolution recognizing its dedication to educational excellence by the Minnesota Legislature. The House resolution commends Northland President Dennis Bona and staff for their commitment to creating outstanding educational opportunities for students in the region. Representatives Dan Fabian and Deb Kiel were on-hand to present this commendation to President Bona.
In August, Northland earned a top-five ranking on WalletHubs list of Best Community Colleges. This nationwide evaluation of over 700 American Association of Community Colleges member schools examined colleges based on 17 key metrics including cost and financing, education outcomes and career outcomes. The results of this comparison ranked seven Minnesota colleges in the top 20 making the Minnesota State system the second best in the nation.
We are incredibly fortunate to have strong post-secondary education opportunities for students in our area.
“When I saw that Northland was ranked as a top five community college nationwide, I knew that we had to recognize this achievement at the legislature,” said Rep. Dan Fabian. “We are incredibly fortunate to have strong post-secondary education opportunities for students in our area, and I want to once again congratulate all of the students, faculty and staff at Northland on this fantastic achievement!”
The ranking is a byproduct of the extraordinary efforts of Northland faculty and staff to whom Bona credits. This recognition is the result of a total team effort. Every service the college provides is an integrated activity that requires everyone, especially faculty, to do their job well. Im very proud of the team we have put together at Northland!
As the number five college, Northland offers an attractive alternative to the traditional four-year educational path with its dynamic variety of programs and course offerings. In addition, the NorthernConnect Dual Admission Program provides a segue for students to receive their bachelors degree in cooperation with partner colleges, Bemidji State and U of M Crookston. With nearly 5,000 students enrolled full and part-time, Northland has realized a spike of 6% in enrollment for the fall 2018 semester. Variety and flexibility accompanied with affordable tuition are having an impact on Northland’s campuses. This ultimately contributes to the dynamics of the local workforce and can transform the surrounding community and region.
Higher education plays an instrumental role in a strong economy and workforce, and I will continue to champion policies at the legislature that supports our outstanding colleges and universities.
“We are privileged to have nationally-recognized higher education institutions like Northland right here in Northwest Minnesota. Higher education plays an instrumental role in a strong economy and workforce, and I will continue to champion policies at the legislature that supports our outstanding colleges and universities,” Representative Deb Kiel remarked.