CLC's ties to business community stressed
Few, if any, other Minnesota colleges have such a strong working relationship with its business community as Central Lakes College does, CLC President Larry Lundblad told a group of business leaders Tuesday morning.
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Lisa Paxton, chief executive officer for the Brainerd Lakes Chamber, agreed.
"I would doubt anyone is as good as we are," Paxton said with a smile as everyone laughed.
On Thursday, a few Brainerd Lakes Chamber members, along with CLC representatives, will testify at a strategic planning session of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Board of Trustees in Alexandria about how higher education can better meet their needs.
Suresh Tiwari, vice president of academic and student affairs at Central Lakes College, spoke about the college's new offerings. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
On Tuesday, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber's Brainerd/Baxter Business Council met in the Skone-Humphrey Center at CLC to speak about topics affecting CLC, the community and the future, issues that may be brought to light at Thursday's MnSCU meeting.
Business leaders heard from Lundblad and his staff, who spoke about many of CLC's programs and how the college is attempting to meet the needs of students of all ages, including displaced workers, and preparing students for the work force.
Jeff Wig, dean of enrollment, spoke about the college's enrollment projections and student demographics. The college has experienced double-digit enrollment increases during the last three years, including an 11 percent increase this year. The college so far this year has 5,936 students enrolled but is anticipated to reach more than 6,000 students this semester, a first in the history of the college, said Wig. Eighty-three percent of students come from the seven-county region and the rest are from Minnesota. Only 1 to 1-1/2 percent are from out of state, said Wig.
Wig said 1,200 students enrolled last fall were age 25 and older, an increase of 450 students in three years.
Kari Christiansen, vice president of administrative services, said despite the influx of students, the college is receiving less in state appropriations. The college's 2010 budget is $36.9 million. This year CLC will receive $11 million, a decrease from $13.1 million last year. Tuition revenues increased from $10.9 million to $11.8 million. This includes a 5 percent tuition hike with 2 percent of the increase covered by federal stimulus dollars over the next two years, so a 3 percent net hike, said Christiansen. She said the college this year had 5.66 full-time equivalent staff members laid off and 2.45 FTE vacancies left unfilled. Operation and equipment budgets also were reduced.
Central Lakes College President Larry Lundblad spoke Tuesday to Brainerd Lakes Chamber's Brainerd/Baxter Business Council members about the college's service to the business community during a meeting in the Skone-Humphrey Center at CLC. Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls
Christiansen said the projected $50 million unallotment from the state next year will equate to a $1.1 million reduction for CLC. Fiscal year 2012 and FY2013 also project uncertain state funding levels for CLC.
It costs CLC students $136.93 per credit or $4,705 for 30 credits, considered a full-time course load.
Suresh Tiwari, vice president of academic and student affairs, spoke of several programs to be offered next year at the college. The school will offer online courses on viticulture, or the science and study of grape production, and enology, the study of wine making. Tiwari said this is a rapid area of study and there are 32 grape-growing operations in the state, including 26 wineries. The courses, funded by the National Science Foundation, will allow CLC to become the first Minnesota college to offer this course.
The college next fall also will offer an entrepreneurship certificate to encourage students to start their own businesses. Tiwari said CLC will become the first in the state to offer a freshwater studies degree, starting next fall. Tiwari said nationwide only two or three community colleges offer such a program.
Tiwari also spoke of the college's service learning programs that allow students to work out in the community on various projects. The Small Business Development Center served 437 businesses last year, approving 90 loans out of 111 loan applications.
Judy Richer, CLC dean of students, spoke of the Bridges Career Academies and Workplace Connection and College in the Schools initiatives, which allow high school students to take CLC courses in their own high schools, taught by their teachers who have received additional credentials. The college added another computer course and a criminal justice course, based on encouragement by local business partners with the college, said Richer. Last year 833 area high school students earned CLC credits in 60 course offerings in their schools from CLC. Richer said the program has experienced 15-20 percent enrollment growth this year. A total of 106 courses are being offered in six area school districts.
Kevin Larson of CTC said from a business perspective, CLC can't lose sight of the need for technical programs. He said he liked the fact the college was to offer an entrepreneurial class next fall.
"We need to keep tech schools alive and vibrant," said Larson.
Kevin Stumpf of Country Kitchen noted Brainerd High School has pared back its automotive and vocational programs and he believes that technical programs needs to be a priority at the college.
"There's a huge gap right now," said Stumpf.
Tom Kotula noted that his children attended CLC to earn their two-year degrees and then went on to obtain their four-year degrees from other institutions.
"Don't forget the other side," said Kotula.
JODIE TWEED may be reached at jodie.tweed@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5858.