Creating opportunities for students makes a difference for them as well as the communities a college like 黑料网 serves, according to a recently released study from the Minnesota State system of public colleges and universities.

Based on fiscal year 2021-2022 information, Ridgewater鈥檚 annual economic impact totaled $155 million when considering everything from tax revenue and capital projects to student spending and employee volunteer time and donation contributions.

Ridgewater President Dr. Craig Johnson shared his perspective on the importance of the survey. 鈥淲hile this report provides clear data on the economic impact of 黑料网 in our local area, it also provides strong evidence of the return on investment from the state funds that we receive every two years. Especially at a time when we are working hard to increase state support for the Minnesota State system, it is important to recognize that every tax dollar we receive is multiplied seven or eight times in terms of what we provide back to the community.鈥�

Minnesota State commissioned the comprehensive impact study to be conducted by Parker Philips, a consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. The goal is to provide a full and credible assessment of the total economic, employment, and state and local tax impact of Minnesota鈥檚 largest provider of higher education and the 11^th-largest employer in the state. Minnesota State then also shares individual college results.

Ridgewater鈥檚 $155 million contribution includes a direct impact of $87 million and an indirect or induced impact of $68 million. Direct contributions include such things as operational and capital expenditures, payroll and benefits paid to employees, and spending by students and visitors. Indirect factors include supply chain spending like increased demand for goods and services that supply or support the college, students and visitors. Induced impact includes household spending for housing, household goods, food, clothing, transportation, and entertainment.

鈥淲hile the actual dollar amount of our impact in our communities demonstrates our value and return on investment, it is equally important to recognize the qualitative impact of 黑料网,鈥� Johnson explained. 鈥淓very year, we positively impact thousands of individuals in our local communities and beyond by providing them with knowledge, skills and confidence to achieve their full potential, support their families, and strengthen our communities. That鈥檚 the real bottom line value of Ridgewater!鈥�

As one of the larger employers in the region, Ridgewater supports and sustains 1,165 jobs (813 direct and 352 indirect). More than 300 direct jobs are Ridgewater employees at the college and in the communities.

During the 2021-22 year of the survey, 3,573 students were enrolled at Ridgewater, including full- and part-time students at the Willmar and Hutchinson campuses, as well as online students from near and far. Among the study body, 133 veterans also chose Ridgewater for education during the survey year.

The survey findings of Ridgewater鈥檚 economic impact are significant:

• $11.9 million 鈥� combined local and state tax revenue from Ridgewater, its suppliers, students and visitors (up more than $2 million from 5 years ago)
• $75.1 million 鈥� spending on operations and capital projects
• $79.9 million 鈥� student and visitor spending
• $80.3 million 鈥� alumni annual impact

The $80.3 million alumni impact is a result of more than 21,700 Ridgewater alumni who live and work in Minnesota.

鈥淭hese graduates are an integral part of the Minnesota workforce, impacting the economy not only through their spending, but also through the extra earning power generated by their 黑料网

degree,鈥� states the report. Over their anticipated 40-year careers, Ridgewater alumni are expected to generate $3.2 billion for the economy.

And it鈥檚 not just about the student and graduate experiences 鈥� the impact goes far beyond through giving back to communities. Employees and students donate nearly $300,000 to local charitable organizations annually and tally $1.6 million in volunteer time, for a total generosity factor of $1.9 million.

鈥淭his impressive report is also a testament to the incredible partnerships between the Willmar and Hutchinson communities and 黑料网,鈥� said Katie Kleinhuizen, director of marketing and community outreach. 鈥淥ur partners work with faculty and departments to bring relevant career skills into the classroom and support students through philanthropic endeavors to provide experiential learning opportunities. This results in graduates who are effectively prepared to impact the organizations they find employment with and our region.鈥� 

鈥淎s an open access institution, we provide a critical resource to area residents,鈥� Johnson said. More than 44 percent of students are Pell-grant recipients, typically those with the greatest financial need. That compares to 37% for all of Minnesota State. In addition, more than 21 percent of Ridgewater students are first-generation students attending college, a bit more than the Minnesota statistic of 17.8 percent. 鈥淲e take pride in providing resources and opportunities to help people rebuild and change their lives.鈥�

Through the broader perspective, the survey also reported that the Minnesota State comprehensive system of seven state universities and 26 colleges and 54 campuses contributed more than $8.4 billion to the state鈥檚 economy in FY2022. For every $1 in state appropriation, Minnesota State generates nearly $11 in economic activity, according to the survey.

The full report recognizes that this study includes the unprecedented COVID pandemic years that impacted everything from student enrollment to the personal lives of everyone in the world.

鈥淭he COVID pandemic and resulting economic downturn altered the field of higher education,鈥� states the report. 鈥淲hile the colleges and universities of Minnesota State adapted in many ways to ensure students could continue toward their academic goals, the pandemic and its aftermath affected many students鈥� ability to continue their education. Despite lower enrollment numbers, Minnesota State found many ways to positively impact the communities it serves.鈥�

See the full report for Minnesota State and 黑料网 at .

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Practicing estheticians and recent Esthiology graduates who meet eligibility requirements will now be able to take their skills to the next level for their skincare clients, thanks to an Esthiology program expansion at 黑料网, Willmar campus.

Launching this summer, a 20-credit Advanced Esthetics certificate will be available to licensed estheticians and cosmetologists who wish to expand their expertise to such skin treatments as light therapy, dermaplaning, and other advanced skin treatment protocols. Recent graduates with approved Certificates of Readiness verifying their hands-on experience hours and other licensing criteria will also be eligible.

鈥淢ore and more clients are requesting customized, preventive and corrective treatments,鈥� explained Tracy Miller, Ridgewater Advanced Esthetics instructor. 鈥淓stheticians who train in our new Advanced Esthetics program will gain more advanced options to address individual skincare needs to revitalize skin for improved health and appearance.鈥�

Just like students in the traditional Esthiology and Cosmetology programs, Advanced Esthetics students will learn the theory of their treatments in the classroom and then apply what they鈥檙e learning in the Ridgewater Salon and Day Spa on the Willmar campus.

Students will learn a thorough approach in advanced esthetics using the American Institute of Esthetics curriculum with:

• micro-needling
• microdermabrasion
• hydrafacial
• light therapy treatments
• microcurrent
• chemical peels 鈥� light to medium depth
• pre- and post-medical treatments
• advanced massage techniques including lymphatic drainage
• skin disorders/medical terminology
• spa and alternative therapies

鈥淲e are excited to offer an additional option for both new and existing practitioners to expand their portfolios of services they are able to provide to their customers,鈥� said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of instruction. 

鈥淧otential students who need to juggle family and work schedules will find our flexible schedule of just two days per week on campus to be an important factor to our helping students succeed,鈥� said instructor Tracy Miller. Due to its part-time format, the certificate will begin as a three-semester experience, with the first semester running this summer May 31-August 5.

Approved by the Minnesota Board of Cosmetology, the Advanced Esthetics program is expected to help address a growing industry need. Projected job growth for skincare specialists in central Minnesota is 7.6 percent for 2018-2028 and nearly 11 percent in the U.S.

Interested prospective students with questions about the program or their eligibility should contact Tracy Miller at tracy.miller@ridgewater.edu or 320-222-5980.

For more information, go to . To apply, go to .

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The Agriculture and Rural Initiative, Compeer Financial鈥檚 donor-advised fund, has granted $825,000 to community and technical colleges across the cooperative鈥檚 144-county territory, including $75,000 to 黑料网.

鈥淏ecause Compeer clients often list workforce development among their highest concerns, our board agreed that vocational agriculture education should be a high priority for the fund,鈥� said Rodney Bosma, a Compeer Financial director. 鈥淥ur partners in higher education provide opportunities for young adults in rural communities every day, and we hope this support will enhance those training programs to prepare them for a successful future in agriculture.鈥� The organization has committed $1.9 million in grants and scholarships over the next five years to further develop agriculture鈥檚 workforce.

Ridgewater has used its funds to purchase and vinyl-wrap a 45-foot agriculture technology mobile trailer with inspiring photos to help promote Ridgewater鈥檚 10 ag programs through hands-on technology. Additional grant priorities included investing in a new Meat Cutting certificate program and purchasing an NIR (Near Infra-Red) Silage Moisture Tester.

Ridgewater is one of four Minnesota community and technical colleges receiving this grant support. Recipients were chosen based on their ag education offerings, ag workforce development and geographic impact. These grants are expected to directly impact more than 2,700 students studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields, and help to enhance the curriculum offered by more than 125 faculty instructors.

鈥淐ompeer Financial recognized a need to assist community and technical colleges with funding innovative and leading-edge agriculture programs and initiatives,鈥� said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of instruction for technical programs. 鈥淲e are grateful. The Ag Technology trailer will provide unique opportunities for K-12 students, post-secondary students, and industry professionals to learn the requisite skills needed in the precision agriculture industry.  Use of the trailer will strengthen 黑料网鈥檚 already strong and long-standing Precision Agriculture program (formerly known as GPS/GIS Systems).鈥�

Compeer鈥檚 Karen Johnson attended the annual Ridgewater Ag Banquet on Tues., April 5, to share the milestone of the completed trailer and the progress in development of the Meat Cutting program.

鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to see how community and technical colleges provide a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity focused on the needs and careers in the local communities,鈥� Johnson said.

鈥淲e are proud to recognize the vision of the 黑料网 Ag Department faculty for the trailer and the learning opportunity they will provide students as they complete the highly technical build and installation of various hardware and software needed for the trailer,鈥� Miller added. 

Each grant partner college is also receiving two annual $1,250 scholarships for ag program or pathway students during the next five years. Recipients of the 2022 Ridgewater Compeer Financial Scholarships were named at Tuesday鈥檚 banquet: Leah Mohs (of Rice) and William Pell (from Alpha).

The Agriculture and Rural Initiative was created by the Compeer Financial Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that directly address the needs of farmers and others who work in agriculture. The grants are part of Compeer鈥檚 commitment to supporting clients and communities, creating sustainable and long-term success in the industry, according to Bosma.
 
Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout Minnesota, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Compeer Financial provides personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.

Learn more about Ridgewater Agriculture at . Learn more about Compeer Financial at .

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PURCHASING AGENCY: RIDGEWATER COLLEGE

TITLE: Seasonal Lease of Farmland

NATURE OF RFP:  黑料网 is requesting proposals for the seasonal lease of thirteen (13) acres of tillable crop farmland located near the Hutchinson Campus located in the City of Hutchinson, County of McLeod Minnesota with intent to enter into a three (3) year contract.  This RFP is undertaken by 黑料网 pursuant to the authority contained in provisions of Minnesota Statutes 搂 136F.581 and other applicable laws. 

RESPONSE TO THIS SOLICITATION IS DUE NO LATER THAN MARCH 28, 2022 AT 2:00 PM Central Time

TO RECEIVE A PRINTED COPY OF THE SOLICITATION, CONTACT:  Tim Schroepfer at 320-234-8643 or tim.schroepfer@ridgewater.edu

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HUTCHINSON and WILLMAR, MN 鈥� 黑料网 is proud to announce the addition of David Gifford to its administrative team. Gifford began his position as the new dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences (transfer programs) in January.

Originally from Detroit Lakes, Gifford joins Ridgewater from his most recent position as Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) at Colorado Mountain College (CMC), a dual-mission, Hispanic-serving institution in the central Rockies of Colorado. Previous roles at CMC included assistant dean of instruction, developmental math instructor, and adjunct faculty representative. Prior to transitioning into higher education in 2012, Gifford taught and tutored secondary math and science for grades 7-12 in Colorado, Washington, and Oregon.

鈥淲e are excited to welcome Dave Gifford to our Ridgewater team,鈥� said Mike Kutzke, Ridgewater Vice President of Student Success. 鈥淗is experiences and leadership in administration, math, science, and diverse populations will be great assets for 黑料网.鈥�

Gifford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Natural Sciences from St. John’s University (MN), a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Portland, and is currently finishing a Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University. 

鈥淚n this first month, my focus has been on building relationships and identifying opportunities within Liberal Arts and Sciences,鈥� Gifford said. 鈥淚 hope to draw on past teaching and leadership experiences in higher ed to positively impact academic programming and the student experience at Ridgewater.鈥�

After living out of state for several years, Gifford said he and his family are excited to be back 鈥渉ome鈥� in Minnesota.

In his spare time, Gifford enjoys pursuing an active, outdoor lifestyle with his family. He currently resides in Hutchinson with his wife, Kelly, and three young children.

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鈥淩etirements of small-town butchers and growing shortages of meat processing workers due to the pandemic have elevated the need for this new Meat Cutting option,鈥� said Jeff Miller, one of 黑料网鈥檚 deans of instruction. 鈥淲e鈥檝e been talking about it for months, doing our research with industry and potential partners.鈥� The need is real.

鈥淎s a regional leader in agricultural education, we are very connected to our industry partners and local and regional producers, and they鈥檙e struggling to have accessible options for getting their animals slaughtered and processed for consumers,鈥� Miller added.

Although news of the developing program addition has gained state media attention in the last couple of months, Ridgewater鈥檚 approval of the addition just became official on February 1.

Students will learn the meat cutting and processing business from farm to slaughter and market to consumer. The training will start with one full-time semester for the approved 18-credit Beginning Meat Cutting certificate available Fall Semester 2022. Two additional certificates are currently pending approval. These include an Advanced Meat Processing certificate and a Meat Cutting & Processing Entrepreneur certificate. The goal is to have these approved by spring of 2023.

In an effort to make the courses convenient for working students, Ridgewater will offer the courses two evenings a week and one weekend per month with both online and in-person learning.

Hands-on slaughtering experience will not take place at Ridgewater, but rather at an off-site, licensed facility.

鈥淲e have options,鈥� Miller was pleased to share. 鈥淪everal industry partners have shared an interest to partner as instructors, facility hosts, on-the-job trainers, and internship sponsors.鈥�  Ridgewater is also seeking accreditation approval through the Higher Learning Commission to ensure quality training.

“Students will graduate from Ridgewater and enter the workforce at an apprentice level knowing the foundations of meat cutting, food safety and handling,” Miller said.

To learn more about the Meat Cutting program as final details develop for Fall 2022, complete an interest form on the Ridgewater website at .

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HUTCHINSON and WILLMAR, MN 鈥� People who enjoy giving and receiving have a new way to combine the two. Schedule an appointment at the newly opened Ridgewater Student Massage Center in Hutchinson and you鈥檒l give Massage Therapy students a chance to practice their craft while you receive a relaxing or therapeutic massage. It鈥檚 a win-win!

鈥淲e are so excited to start the Spring Semester with a grand opening/ribbon cutting ceremony on our center鈥檚 opening day,鈥� said Massage Therapy instructor Katy Lundell-Stuhr. 鈥淭he students are ready to share what they鈥檝e learned and practice new massage techniques they continue to develop each week. We are thrilled to be a part of an industry that so many people enjoy and incorporate into their wellness routines.鈥� 

Opening of the center on January 21 on the Hutchinson campus was the next step of the Massage Therapy program expansion from the Willmar campus to now the Hutchinson campus also. The program in Hutchinson is currently full with eight students.

鈥淲e have known that demand is high and growing for this healthcare career option, but to see how quickly spots filled and how excited students were to have the option in Hutchinson now also 鈥� it was just awesome to see,鈥� said Mary Leyk, Ridgewater dean of allied health programs.

First-semester students spend their time learning massage modalities, techniques and best practices, and then practicing them on each other and on college students and employees through chair massages. They are definitely excited for the Student Massage Center to be open to the public, Lundell-Stuhr said.

Most Fridays from January 21 to May 6, the four-table Student Massage Center will be open for 30-, 60- or 90-minute relaxation or deeper tissue therapeutic massages from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hot stone therapy is also available as an add-on option. Services range from $25 to $55 and will be very similar to those available at the Willmar campus Student Massage Center, but that center is open Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

鈥淎s a practicing graduate and massage entrepreneur from the Ridgewater Massage Therapy Program, the opening of the Student Massage Center is such an exciting time!鈥� said Kiley Kruggel, Hutchinson鈥檚 Student Massage Center lab assistant. 鈥淭he students have worked hard to improve their skills each week and I am looking forward to watching them continue to grow and learn!鈥�

To learn more, go to or contact the center at massagecenter.hutchinson@ridgewater.edu or 320-234-8530.

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Diversity awareness, multicultural relationship building and student support have been passions and priorities for 黑料网鈥檚 Jehana Schwandt for nearly nine years. Schwandt is now taking those priorities to a new level as the newly appointed director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

Schwandt knows Ridgewater and its communities well, having served as an academic advisor and part-time diversity officer and Multicultural Club advisor for years, as well as recent interim DEI director.

鈥淛ehana has done a great job in her interim role and she is well-qualified to lead our DEI work on a long-term basis,鈥� said 黑料网 President Dr. Craig Johnson. 鈥淲e are excited to have her move into this vital role for our College and the communities we serve.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檓 excited for the opportunity to build on the work I was previously doing with Ridgewater and our communities by focusing even more on building partnerships and developing programs and initiatives aimed at supporting all of our community members and their unique identities,鈥� Schwandt said.

In her new role, she will transition from working primarily with students to a broader focus of supporting Ridgewater鈥檚 strategic DEI efforts and the Minnesota State Equity 2030 initiatives. 鈥淚 will work hard to ensure that each student, employee and community member has a genuine opportunity for participation and success,鈥� Schwandt said.

In her position, Schwandt will lead a new unit that will incorporate Disability Services, TRIO student support services for underserved populations, and community resources to help meet student basic needs. She鈥檒l also advise international students and manage services for military and veteran students.

To bridge the college family with Ridgewater鈥檚 neighboring communities through broader diversity awareness, Schwandt and her DEI office are launching several spring virtual social justice speakers beginning January 19. All presentations will be via Zoom and are free and open to the public with registration.

鈥淢y hope is that our social justice series will help us honor the history and cultures of our community members while also providing opportunities for us to grow and learn together,鈥� Schwandt said. (Note: All sessions will be recorded. Look for links at .)

Spring Social Justice Virtual Zoom Series:
Wed., January 19^, 12-1 p.m.: 鈥淯nity, Service, Justice,鈥� with Dr. Artika Tyner. Dr. Tyner will share her insight on creating unity in our community through service and provide those who wish to join the fight for social, racial, and economic justice with the necessary tools to advance social justice. Attendees will gain awareness and understand how our biases influence us, develop skills where we can learn to work more effectively in diverse groups and build tools and confidence for advancing social justice awareness.

Sponsoring schools: Minnesota State 鈥� Office of DEI, 黑料网, Northland Community & Technical College, Century College, Lake Superior College, Hennepin Technical College, Anoka Ramsey Community College, Anoka Technical College, Central Lakes College, Saint Paul College, Riverland Community College, Minnesota State Southeast, Alexandria College.

Tues., January 25, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: 鈥淭he Holocaust,鈥� with survivor Peter Gorog. This 30-minute interview between this courageous survivor and a US Holocaust Memorial Museum staff member will end with time for audience questions. Approximately 6 million European Jews died during this World War II genocide.

Tues., February 15, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: To celebrate Black History Month, 黑料网 will host a forum with black professionals from across Minnesota. Hear panelists share their trials and triumphs, and personal impact of what Black History Month means to them.

Tues., March 15, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: 鈥淭actile the World: A Deafblind Woman鈥檚 Journey,鈥� with Christine 鈥淐oco鈥� Roschaert (she/her/Elle). An avid traveler, Coco has experienced 62 countries. To embark on these worldwide adventures, Roschaert has had to rely on her instinct, experience, challenges and resources to navigate the globe as a DeafBlind woman using a blind-cane and tactile sign language. This presentation will be in American Sign Language with voice interpretation.

Thurs., March 24, 11 a.m.-12 p.m.: 鈥淯nderstanding Somali Culture,鈥� with Hudda Ibrahim, author of 鈥淔rom Somalia to Snow鈥� and 鈥淲hat Color is My Hijab?鈥� As a faculty member at St. Cloud Technical and Community College, Ibrahim specializes in diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, and unconscious bias. Ibrahim is a certified trainer and recipient of the prestigious Bush Foundation Fellowship (2019) and an Initiators Fellowship from the Greater Minnesota Initiative Foundation (2017). She will clarify diversity, equity, inclusion, and unconscious bias; share how different cultures impact communication, discuss specific needs of Somali students; share language and communication styles and ways to bridge the communication gap; and explore religion, spirituality, and Islamic dietary laws.

For more information about Ridgewater鈥檚 DEI efforts, go to

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黑料网 is responding to the nursing home staffing shortage in Minnesota by offering nursing assistant classes at no cost to participants.

The free training is in response to Governor Tim Walz鈥檚 recently announced initiative to recruit, train and deploy at least 1,000 certified nursing assistants (CNA) for Minnesota long-term care facilities.

The classes will be offered in a hybrid format in both Hutchinson and Willmar. The 32 students, already enrolled, will complete the course in January.

This isn鈥檛 the first request for training Ridgewater has responded to during the pandemic. Ridgewater recently trained several members of the Minnesota National Guard for deployment as emergency, temporary nursing assistants. The training offered will model this initiative.

鈥淲e鈥檙e proud to answer the Governor鈥檚 call to train certified nursing assistants during the pandemic,鈥� said Sam Bowen, dean of customized training and continuing education. 鈥淥ur instructors and staff have been outstanding at adapting to the ever-changing situation.鈥�

Once trained, the CNAs will be eligible for employment at Minnesota long-term care facilities that are facing severe staffing shortages.

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HUTCHINSON and WILLMAR, MN 鈥� Students in 黑料网鈥檚 Machine Tool Technology program will have increased financial support as they pursue careers in machining and manufacturing thanks to a Gene Haas Foundation grant of $14,000. The funds will provide scholarships and assistance for high-tech program needs.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 demand for skilled CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists is extremely high,鈥� said Greg Ryder, one of Ridgewater鈥檚 Machine Tool Technology instructors. 鈥淚t is why we are expanding to the Willmar campus as well in Spring 2022. It will be great that machining students on both Hutchinson and Willmar campuses can apply for Machine Tool scholarships to support their educational investment and help us fill the skilled trades gap.鈥�

Machine Tool students use Haas CNC machines daily. These grant funds will be available to students who have completed one or more semesters in the Ridgewater program, have a 3.0 or higher grade point average, and who apply. Since 2016, 黑料网 has received $63,500 from the Gene Haas Foundation that supports both college and high school manufacturing efforts.

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New moms who are either students or employees at 黑料网 now have new, private spaces, just for them.

It鈥檚 not easy for breastfeeding moms to be away from their little ones, let alone find private spaces on a college campus during busy days to pump as needed.

Last week, Ridgewater added freestanding Mamava Lactation Pods on both the Hutchinson and Willmar campuses to support breastfeeding moms and to remove a potential barrier for student success.

鈥淭he pods are private spaces intended to accommodate nursing mothers in a clean and comfortable space in a neutral and easy-to-access location,鈥� explained Heidi Olson, Ridgewater dean of students.

The pod interiors have bench seats, power outlets, shelves, occupancy-activated lighting, vents, and more. 

Olson explained that pod entry is easy. Users can either access the pods with their smart phones using the QR code on the side of the pod, or they can contact her office for a code.  

Just days into providing the new option, Olson began receiving messages of gratitude.

鈥淚 have been a Ridgewater student since I was pregnant with my second (child) and nursed him throughout the entire time I have been in the MANE (registered nursing) program at Hutchinson,鈥� said Aly Keenan. 鈥淚 just want to say THANK YOU to everyone who made these possible on campus. I spent a lot of time pumping and this is so needed for nursing mothers to feel good about pumping while being away!鈥�

Obtaining lactation pods has been on Olson鈥檚 radar for several years. She is thankful for administration鈥檚 innovative support to make this happen. As far as Olson knows, not many Minnesota colleges currently offer them.

鈥淲e are simply thrilled to be able to provide this type of accommodation to our students and employees who need it,鈥� Olson said.

For more information, contact Heidi Olson at Heidi.olson@ridgewater.edu.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN 鈥� Expanding programs for broader accessibility is a great way to meet industry needs. 黑料网 is proud to announce that its long-standing Machine Tool Technology program on the Hutchinson campus will expand to the Willmar campus beginning January 2022.

The Machine Tool program teaches students advanced manufacturing skills, including foundational mill and lathe equipment and advanced Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining skills to cut, shape and drill metal or plastic parts. It鈥檚 the CNC portion of the program that will be newly available in Willmar.

鈥淲e are so excited for prospective students!鈥� said Matt Feuerborn, one of Ridgewater鈥檚 deans of instruction for technical programs. 鈥淭his hands-on, high-tech manufacturing program will now serve students in the Willmar area with a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Technician Diploma.鈥�

The Machine Tool program has been available in Hutchinson for about 20 years after relocation from the Willmar campus.

鈥淭he expansion back to Willmar is something we鈥檝e talked about for a while,鈥� Feuerborn said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 exciting to know we have industry partners who are ready to commit to advance their employees鈥� skills. Together, we are collaborating to meet industry鈥檚 high demand for skilled workers.鈥�

The new 32-credit CNC Machine Technician Diploma will also be available in Hutchinson. It will round out other current Hutchinson offerings that include CNC Precision Manufacturing Technician (AAS, diploma and certificate) and the Machining Technician (diploma).

In addition to the expansion news, Machine Tool instructor Greg Ryder announced another change for students. The entire program is maintaining some of what worked well the last 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. 鈥淪tudents have been quite successful in learning the safety and theory behind machining via online delivery of content and then coming to the campus shop to apply and experience what they鈥檝e learned,鈥� Ryder said. Rather than being on campus five days a week, students condensed their lab time to two days.

With the new blended online and on-campus format, students are better able to juggle school and work, students have told instructors. Demand for machinists has been so great recently that many students are working in the industry while attending Ridgewater. With just two scheduled days of required shop time on campus now, students can work their jobs the other days and do their homework when it works for them.

鈥淭he expansion to Willmar and the expansion to include online learning are definite wins for students,鈥� Feuerborn said. Instructors will have two scheduled shop days in Willmar for those students and two different shop days in Hutchinson to ensure students get the hands-on experience and instructor attention they need.

To learn more about the Machine Tool Technology program, go to . To learn more about admissions, scholarships, and financial aid and to meet the instructors, schedule a visit in Willmar or Hutchinson at .

Cutline: Learning high-tech, machining is the goal of a new Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machine Technician Diploma that will be available through 黑料网 at both Willmar and Hutchinson campuses. This will be the first time in about 20 years that the Machine Tool Technology program will have training in Willmar. The option requires just two days a week on campus.

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HUTCHINSON, MN 鈥� Students in 黑料网鈥檚 Machine Tool Technology program will have increased financial support as they pursue careers in machining and manufacturing thanks to a Gene Haas Foundation grant of $12,500. The funds will provide scholarships and assistance for high-tech program needs.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 demand for skilled CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinists is extremely high,鈥� said Tammy Jablonski, one of Ridgewater鈥檚 Machine Tool Technology instructors. 鈥淚t is wonderful to have dollars awarded to us that we can use to enable and assist our talented students as they work to fill the skilled trades gap.鈥�

The Haas name is very familiar to Ridgewater Machine Tool students as it is the brand label on the CNC machines they use every day. These grant funds will be available to students who have completed one or more semesters in the Ridgewater program, have a 3.0 or higher grade point average, and who complete the scholarship application. Since 2016, 黑料网 has received $49,500 from the Gene Haas Foundation.

At the college level, the Foundation鈥檚 primary goal is to build skills in the manufacturing industry by providing scholarships for CNC machine technology students across the country, explained Foundation representative Hope Riska. The Foundation also supports high school manufacturing programs and related student competitions. In 2020, the Foundation provided more than $17 million in grants for manufacturing education and communities.

鈥淭hese scholarships will help attract the next generation of machinists that are needed to meet the demands of today鈥檚 workforce and the industries of tomorrow,鈥� said Matt Feuerborn, Ridgewater dean of technical programs.

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN 鈥� Future electricians will soon have a new training option at 黑料网 beginning Fall 2021 鈥� a new afternoon-evening Electrical Technology option in Willmar to complement the traditional daytime Electrician program available on both Willmar and Hutchinson campuses.

鈥淲e鈥檙e extremely excited to offer this new Electrical Technology career choice designed to help meet electrical industry critical needs,鈥� said Leland Floren, longtime Ridgewater Electrician instructor. 鈥淚t is a great alternative choice to achieve your degree for people seeking to 鈥榚arn while they learn.鈥欌��

The demand for electricians is strong. It鈥檚 why Ridgewater expanded its Electrician program to the Hutchinson campus in 2018. According to careerwise.minnstate.edu, the projected Minnesota job growth outlook is about 9.5 percent, well above the state average for 2018-2028. Central Minnesota鈥檚 anticipated growth rate is even higher at 12.3 percent, with current median electrician wages at $35.55, much higher than the state median wage of $21.49 for all careers.

The new 60-credit diploma option offers students the chance to work during the day and learn in the late afternoon and evenings. It鈥檚 a great option for students already working in industry or students looking to get started. Course delivery includes a blended format of online lectures with in-person labs at the Willmar campus.

Future electricians within both program options will learn residential and commercial electrical work, as well as industrial and maintenance installation in accordance with the National Electrical Code. They鈥檒l practice working with motor controls, photovoltaic solar systems, transformers, specialized systems, heating, venting and air conditioning, as well as energy-efficient lighting and heating/cooling systems.

鈥淭he idea is to give students options and flexibility,鈥� said Jeff Miller, Ridgewater dean of technical instruction. 鈥淥ne thing that the COVID pandemic has taught us is that we can deliver a high-quality online education even in highly technical areas.鈥�

One distinct difference between the new and traditional programs is that the 83-credit Associate of Applied Science Electrician Degree and 74-credit diploma programs are approved by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI) toward one year (or 2,000 hours) of work experience. This allows the student to apply 2,000 hours to the 8,000 hours (or 48 months) required to be able to test for the Class A journeyworker electrician license. The traditional options also include Applied Math, construction site safety and OSHA training.

鈥淭he Electrical Technology program option to 鈥榚arn as you learn鈥� is a way for working students to be able to earn a college degree at the same time,鈥� said Keith Olson, Electrician instructor, Willmar campus. It鈥檚 also an option for others interested in the blended format of online and on campus.

Olson added, 鈥淭he Electrical Technology diploma can lead you to a satisfying and rewarding career as an apprentice electrician, Class A journeyworker electrician, Class A master electrician, electrical contractor, maintenance electrician and many other career choices in the electrical trades.鈥� 

To learn more about the Electrical Technology or Electrician programs, go to

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WILLMAR and HUTCHINSON, MN 鈥� Beginning this fall, 黑料网 will offer a new Agronomy Applicator Technician Diploma on the Willmar campus and will also be the first Minnesota two-year college to offer a fully online Agri-business Degree in addition to its longtime, in-person program on the Willmar campus.

Agronomy Application Technician

The new 38-credit Agronomy Applicator Technician program was recently developed to quickly provide industry graduates for one of agriculture鈥檚 most in-demand occupations, according to Ridgewater鈥檚 Curt Yoose, longtime Agriculture instructor.

鈥淭his one-year technical diploma will focus on the skills needed to become an effective and efficient custom applicator in the agronomy industry,鈥� Yoose explained. Students will practice operation of self-propelled sprayers, fertilizer applicators, forklifts, skid loaders, and semitrucks. They鈥檒l learn crop protection, pest management, agriculture machinery maintenance, and more.

Yoose is excited to add the one-year option to Ridgewater鈥檚 nine other Agriculture programs available to students, but is doubly excited to be part of a solution for a workforce problem the industry has been struggling with for years.

鈥淪ince the inception of our Agronomy Technology program in 1992, the number one in-demand career in the agronomy industry has been the custom application,鈥� Yoose explained. 鈥淭his still remains true today.鈥�

He said he believes one factor in the applicator shortage is that individuals shy away from the occupation, thinking they will be a custom applicator for the rest of their career. 鈥淭his could not be further from the truth,鈥� he said. 鈥淢any of our past graduates who started as custom applicators have moved on into sales and management positions. A degree in custom application is a great way to get started with a company and learn the ins and outs of the agronomy industry.鈥� 

Ridgewater will continue to offer the comprehensive two-year Agronomy Technology program, but this new Agronomy Applicator Technician program will provide a way for students to quickly enter the workforce as certified custom applicators with the option to expand their ag education as they work.

Agri-business

Agri-business is a program that teaches students everything from animal, crop and dairy science to office management and feed-and-seed sales. Although Ridgewater offers both a 72-credit diploma and an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, it is just the AAS degree that will expand with a fully online delivery option.

鈥淲e鈥檙e excited to offer the first two-year online Agri-business program in the state,鈥� said Ridgewater Agriculture instructor Doug Lind. 鈥淏y expanding our AAS degree to online, we can reach students outside of our traditional draw area for on-campus delivery.鈥� The AAS degree includes required and elective Agriculture courses, along with 15 credits of general studies coursework.

鈥淥ne thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us is that we can deliver a high-quality online education even in highly technical areas,鈥� explained Jeff Miller, 黑料网 dean of technical instruction. 

Educators across the world pivoted to online learning during the pandemic to varying extents, with many now transitioning back to campus. Just as many work places are maintaining some of the new ways to do business, Ridgewater has also evaluated how the year鈥檚 experiences will impact the future. 鈥満诹贤� will continue to explore flexible delivery options in Agriculture education,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淲e strive to ensure that our delivery options meet the needs of our students.鈥�

Agri-business isn鈥檛 the first Ridgewater Agriculture program to offer a fully online option. In early 2020, Ridgewater added an online Poultry Management certificate in partnership with the University of Minnesota.

鈥淚t is important to note that while we are offering the Agri-business AAS in an online format, both the Agri-business AAS Degree and diploma will continue to be offered in the traditional hands-on, face-to-face format as well,鈥� explained Lind. 鈥淚t鈥檚 still a great way to serve the traditional hands-on learners and those seeking that on-campus college experience.鈥�

Because fully online students will not be required to visit campus for any portion of the degree, Lind explained that the new option also opens the door for interested high school students wanting to earn college credit through Post-secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO). Students who may not have Agriculture programming in their high school could benefit without missing their high school activities.

Precision Agriculture

An additional change within Ridgewater鈥檚 comprehensive Agriculture program is that after several years of having a GPS/GIS Information Systems Technology program, Ridgewater has decided to change the program鈥檚 name to Precision Agriculture.  The change is in response to recommendations from the program鈥檚 advisory committee, saying it better reflects the wide and expanding array of technology used in the agriculture industry.

For more information about Ridgewater Agriculture program options, go to .

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