News Highlights

Extended Learning becomes a college

Supports new off-campus initiatives

The Office of Extended Learning is now the College of Extended Learning.

2008-09-04
Minnesota State University, Mankato Media Relations Office news release [9/3/2008]

Minnesota State Mankato’s Office of Extended Learning is now the College of Extended Learning.

President Richard Davenport recently approved the change after his cabinet recommended it. The new college is led by Dean Patricia Lipetzky.

The change was prompted by Chancellor James McCormick’s request last year that Minnesota State Mankato lead the MnSCU effort to improve offerings to students along the Hwy. 169 corridor from Mankato to Bloomington, and along the I-35 corridor from Burnsville to Albert Lea.

The College of Extended Learning will provide administrative infrastructure to support new off-campus initiatives and grow online programs.

One of those initiatives – the 7700 France site in Edina – will serve the fast-growing undergraduate degree-completion and graduate education market in the Twin Cities. Classes started Aug. 25, and a grand opening celebration is scheduled for Sept. 25.

“This new administrative structure will provide the visibility, flexibility and tools to move the University forward in areas and with populations that are asking for increased and innovative educational opportunities,” Davenport said. “I want to thank everyone, especially Dean Lipetzky and the many faculty who participated in the process and supported the creation of the College of Extended Learning.”

The change was widely discussed throughout the university by such groups as the Graduate Sub meet and Confer, all bargaining units and the Academic Affairs Council.

The new College of Extended Learning will:

• Increase the University’s visibility for recruitment and retention of new students;
• Develop and manage programs for adult, non-traditional and diverse students;
• Provide a flexible, adaptable administrative structure for short-term educational needs;
• Provide increased access for underserved and diverse populations.

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