It’s good to be the bearer of good news, and throughout this year I’m pleased to be taking that news on the road. In November, I began a series of day-long visits to all of Minnesota’s two-year colleges and technical schools. It’s unprecedented for a university president in our state to take such a tour, but the time is right to spread the message that Minnesota State University, Mankato remains committed to helping the growing number of technical and community college students earn their four year degrees.
The changing face of our student population serves as ample evidence that the time has come for this type of outreach. A few decades ago, our typical student was 18 to 22 years old and had enrolled immediately after high school. Today, we’re seeing more students in their twenties, thirties and forties, many of them already with associate degrees and in need of additional education and credentials in order to become more competent and competitive professionals. In addition, approximately forty percent of our students are transfers.
Here at Minnesota State Mankato, we have all the ingredients for a seamless transition, and the message is well-received by two-year students who are ready for new challenges and rewards. At the same time, we’re gathering information from the two-year perspective as to what we, here, can do to further simplify the process.
At each stop, I’m joined by admissions office representatives, including our transfer specialist and members of my leadership team. Even as we emphasize our readiness to help, we’re asking how we can further meet schools’ needs. The conversations are invigorating, and the feedback is invaluable.
In the past quarter century, Minnesota State Mankato has transformed itself from the popular, self-contained institution on the hill to an institution known globally for its applied research and innovations. In education, engineering, nursing and other programs, we have earned a solid reputation for outreach programs that not only attract students from all corners, but effect positive social change.
With this tour, we’re inviting associate degree holders into this exciting world while showing them the ease in which they can become part of it. Alumni, of course, are also part of the story I’m so privileged to share. If you’re one of the thousands of graduates who lives and works in Minnesota and you get word of a two-year school visit to a campus near you, please stop by. I’d love to say hello and hear your own good news.
