Leaders of three Moorhead colleges said Friday that they're focusing on developing lifelong learners rather than preparing students for their first jobs.
Edna Szymanski, president of Minnesota State University Moorhead, said the campus aims to prepare students to lead tomorrow's work force.
"We don't know what the jobs are going to be 10 or 15 years from now," Szymanski said.
Administrators from MSUM, Concordia College, and Minnesota State Community and Technical College were part of a panel during an intergovernmental retreat in Moorhead that included state legislators.
Per Anderson, chairman of Concordia's division of global education, said officials focus more on providing students with fundamental skills.
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Concordia also emphasizes more careful advising so students think clearly about the choices they make.
"College is expensive," Anderson said. "It's not a time you want to waste if you don't have to."
Ann Valentine, president of MSCTC, implored legislators to change the way education is funded.
Right now, on state and federal levels, money is allocated in discreet amounts to K-12 education, higher education and work-force development.
But that doesn't allow for flexibility and it doesn't recognize that the issues are interwoven, Valentine said.
"There are students who are falling through those pots of money," Valentine said.
The campus leaders also said they want to become more involved with the local communities.
Anderson said business leaders should expect the college to talk with them more about internships and service learning opportunities.
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"We think of the world as our classroom," Anderson said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Amy Dalrymple at (701) 241-5590
