M State defines an educational 'niche' for each of its 4 campuses in Minnesota

MOORHEAD — Minnesota State Community and Technical College has announced a change in focus for its four campuses in the state.

M State leaders have been meeting with employees, advisory council members, and regional business and community leaders to examine academic offerings on the Detroit Lakes, Fergus Falls, Moorhead and Wadena campuses.

M State President Carrie Brimhall said the pandemic caused them to take a deeper dive to see how the programs align with the needs of the community.

“We wanted to determine a specific educational ‘niche’ for each of our four campuses,” Brimhall said. “The planning process was very intentional and comprehensive.”

The Moorhead campus will maintain its focus on non-traditional students, transfer education, and careers related to engineering, public safety, healthcare, transportation, business and construction, but will work to increase its presence in IT, healthcare and workforce development.

The Detroit Lakes campus will have a stronger focus on manufacturing, healthcare and workforce training.

In Fergus Falls, the M State campus will offer new programs in Business, Early Childhood and Echocardiography. The campus will sharpen its focus on the student experience, particularly for student athletes, and some student housing facility upgrades are planned.

The Wadena campus will continue to specialize in spa services, energy careers and construction trades.

The plan is expected to be rolled out over the next two to three years, the news release said.

M State will also expand connections with area high schools and offer additional workforce training opportunities through M State’s Workforce Development Solutions division.