PTC to submit six nominees for MnSCU's Excellence in Teaching awards program

The Pine Technical College community, including students, staff, faculty, administrators, and alumni, has nominated six instructors to participate in the prestigious MnSCU Excellence in Teaching awards program.

The six nominees, all Outstanding Educators of the Year, now are working on completing some additional information for the Nomination Committee to review, and, using pre-established scoring criteria, the committee will select one faculty member to represent PTC and have a chance at winning the coveted Educator of the Year award. The six nominees are:
• Ann Boldt
• Jeff Ruth
• Julie Shores
• Dione Thoma
• Rita Watson
• Chris York

Last year, PTC's Melissa Felland, an instructor in the Early Childhood Development program, received an Outstanding Educator of the Year award.

"As a recipient of last year's Outstanding Educator of the Year award, I am proud and honored to congratulate all nominees. Preparing, being selected, and attending the ceremony honoring all Educators of the Year and Outstanding Educators of the Year was one highlight of my teaching career," Felland says. "It's one that I will never forget, and I hope the same for all of this year's nominees," Felland adds.

Photo: Melissa Felland, instructor in PTC's Early Childhood Development program, received an Outstanding Educator of the Year award at last year's ceremony.

Impressive results from Minnesota College Application Week are in

The results are in from Minnesota College Application Week, an event held in Novemnber that waived college application fees for a full week. PTC staff and faculty members are impressed with the initiative's results.

"We had 24 applications come in during the week, compared to 11 applications during the same week last year when application fees were not waived," explained Dani Chandonnet, PTC's Director of Marketing and Admissions. "The program is encouraging for those just thinking about applying who may be on the fence - the fee waiver is an incentive, and applicants truly have nothing to lose," Chandonnet adds.

The event ran Nov. 14 through 18, and applications nearly tripled across MnSCU campuses. Each MnSCU college and university waived its $20 application fee during the weeklong event, resulting in the colleges and universities collectively forgoing about $300,000 in revenue. Students could complete one application and submit it simultaneously to more than one MnSCU institution, a service that had not been available before this year. MnSCU figures report that nearly 10,000 high school students submitted 15,600 applications to the 31 state colleges and universities, compared to 4,900 students who submitted about 5,500 applications during the same week in 2010.

"This initiative was tremendously successful," said MnsCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone. "Increasing the number of Minnesotans who complete a college degree, certificate or diploma is more important than ever," Rosenstone added.

By 2018, 70 percent of all jobs in Minnesota will require some postsecondary education, according to a Georgetown University study; many of those jobs will require a certificate or associate degree, and not necessarily a baccalaureate degree.

Phi Theta Kappa rolls out new "Giving Tree" program

Going on now through Dec. 12, PTC students, staff and faculty members may contribute to the "Giving Tree" program, established by students in PTC's Phi Theta Kappa honor society chapter. The program features three holiday trees (donated by PTC Student Senate), adorned with tags that double as Donation Requests. The tags represent students and their families who could use a hand up during a season where costs historically run high. PTC students, staff and faculty members are able to help by fulfilling the $10 gift card Donation Requests. The gift card designated options are: Holiday, Chris' Food Center, Wal-Mart and Family Pathways.

Photo at top: Marcus Lhotka (L) and John Thabes (R) present PTK President Ann Kubesh (center) with $500 in the form of gift cards to support the Giving Tree program. The large donation was generously provided by the PTC Shooters Association/Foundation Fund, of which Lhotka and Thabes are members.

PTC Foundation participates in Grand Casino’s Giving Trees program for a chance to win $5,000 for student scholarships

The Pine Technical College Foundation is participating in Grand Casino’s inaugural Giving Trees program, beginning this afternoon. The Foundation will decorate a six-foot-tall holiday tree at the Grand Casino - Hinckley, in hopes of winning First Prize, $5,000. The winnings will be deposited in the PTC Foundation’s Bridging the Dream scholarship reserve, augmenting funds available for scholarship recipients.

“We’re especially excited about this program since it will directly benefit our students. Considering that our full-time scholarships are awarded in amounts of $1250, our Bridging the Dream program will be able to support four additional full-time students if we win the grand prize, and that’s very exciting,” says Nancy Mach, PTC’s Dean of Student Affairs.

Four area organizations are participating in the Giving Trees program, including the PTC Foundation, and the trees will be judged by casino guests, associates, and online visitors – fans of Grand Casino’s Facebook page. The trees will be on display at the Grand Casino’s Events Center, Mon. Nov. 28, and judging will be finalized at 12 p.m. Mon. Dec. 5. The winners of the contest will be based on the number of online “likes” on Facebook combined with the number of votes collected onsite. The program’s prize structure is as follows: First Place, $5,000; Second Place, $2,000; Third Place, $500.

“Our tree will carry a very student-centered theme; it will showcase photos of current students hard at work – studying, in the lab, in class, doing groupwork, and doing what they do best,” says Sandi Carlisle, Executive Assistant to the President and Foundation Manager.

The trees are donated by Mickman Brothers, and once judging is final, all trees will be donated to a family in need of a holiday tree.

“We’re going to want a lot of votes for our tree, so we are encouraging all staff, faculty, and students to ‘like’ our tree online,” Mach says. “We just need to all get online and vote and help our students get those scholarship dollars!”


Photo: Lucas Pederson, Grant Accountant in PTC's Office of Business Services, shows off one of the custom-made ornaments that will adorn the holiday tree.

PTC's Diversity Committee welcomes guest presenter, David Isham

The Pine Technical College Diversity Committee welcomed a guest presenter, David Isham, to its November meeting. Isham, Access and Opportunity Specialist with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, advised the committee regarding how the college may proceed in its work to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with American Indian nations in East Central Minnesota.

Photo: David Isham (left) and PTC Diversity Committee member, Theresa Leopold (right).

PTC's Judy Yorston, on behalf of Pine EMS, accepts $2500 from AgStar

The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, has awarded Pine EMS $2500 to offset funding for equipment. Judy Yorston (second from left in the photo above), an EMS instructor in PTC's Continuing Education and Customized Training department, accepts the check from AgStar on behalf of Pine EMS.

PTC waives application fees in honor of National College Application Week

In recognition of National College Application Week, PTC will waive the $20 application fee Nov. 14 through Nov. 18. Nearly all Minnesota State Colleges and Universities are participating in the weeklong push to encourage those thinking about starting or going back to college to apply by waiving application fees.

“This is a golden opportunity for those thinking about college who need that final nudge of encouragement to apply and find out that college really is possible," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "College Application Week also provides an opportunity for our applicants to discover financial aid, grants and scholarships are available to assist with tuition and other costs associated with college,” Mach adds.

National College Application Week is part of a national initiative brought forward by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEO). The weeklong event urges high schools and postsecondary institutions to collaborate in a concentrated effort to engage and inform underrepresented (first-generation college students, students of color, and low-income) students about the college application process. The first year for such an event in Minnesota, 17 high schools across the state are serving as pilot sites, including one in PTC’s service area – Rush City High School.

“College Application Week sends the message that college is possible for every student,” says President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “It is our hope that high school students in our service area will plan for college because we make it possible, and we’re prepared to fit their needs and goals,” Musgrove explains.

New construction accommodates campus growth

Photo above: Construction continues on the college’s new storage facility at the south end of campus.

PTC's landscape is changing as the college is in the midst of several construction projects necessary to accommodate its growth. Over the past few years, the college has experienced growth in enrollment, an increase of staff and faculty members, and growth in the variety of programs available to students and services available to students and the community.

“We’re seeing the investment in our future take shape, and at the moment, that translates to a handful of structural changes,” says President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D. “Our master plan includes a focus on using the space available to meet the needs of our community and our growing student population,” Musgrove explains.

The college recently acquired a 1,144 square-foot house, built by students in Pine City High School’s building trades class. The house sits at the northwest end of the campus and once ready, will house PTC’s Child Care Resource & Referral department. At the south end of the campus, a 3,500 square-foot storage facility is being built, which will serve as a storage building for the college’s Facilities Department, as well as house college vehicles and other equipment. The house is nearly ready at this time; the storage facility is on schedule for completion by the first week in Dec.

Inside the college’s main building, the ever-growing Nursing Department and an all-new Wellness Room are on track to move into the area vacated by Child Care Resource & Referral. Construction of the Wellness Room is funded through a recent federal health training grant the college was awarded in Oct.

“We’re very excited to bring the Wellness Room to PTC. It will serve as a place of peace for students as they move through the ups and downs of college life,” says Director of Nursing, Krista Hoekstra. “For example, it will be a calm and inviting place where students are able to meditate. Also, it will serve as a more private place for breastfeeding mothers on campus. We want our students to relieve stress and discover a healthier and more balanced way of living while remaining efficient and productive,” Hoekstra explains.

The college also is making progress toward building an Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator. PTC's current Continuing Education and Customized Training building will undergo significant construction and remodeling to house the incubator. Ground-breaking for this project is tentatively set for April, 2012, and the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center sometime during the Fall, 2012 term.

The new Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator will house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services. The facility will be designed to house two to three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. Additionally, the facility will be designed in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy.


Photo above: The new house, built by students in Pine City High School’s building trades course, is readied for occupancy at the northwest end of the campus.

Get ready for "Student Success Week!"

PTC brings you "Student Success Week," Oct. 24-28. The week highlights important topics for students such as Advising, Course Planning, Counseling, and Tutoring. The weeklong event brings into focus events/themes that students sometimes push to the side while mainly focusing on academics. There are no classes scheduled for the mid-week event, "Advising Day," Oct. 26, and instead, students are encouraged to meet with their advisors to ensure they are on track.

Daily highlights Student Success Week brings include:

Mon. Oct. 24
"Recipes for Success!"
Free recipe book available from Student Affairs, featuring quick and easy recipes perfect for any college student, plus "Recipes for Student Success!"

Also, students will have the opportunity to participate in a GPS scavenger hunt and win prizes from the Academic Skills Center.

Muffins and mini donuts available outside Student Affairs.

Tues. Oct. 25
"Math RoundUp!"
Students can get their very own booklet of Math Success hints, available in the ASC.

Also, don't miss a special presentation at 11 a.m. in the auditorium (room 20) from Lakes State Credit Union - a free workshop on personal finance.

Plus, rice-krispy bars available in the ASC and room 94.

Wed. Oct. 26
"Advising Day!"
Students in developmental coursework (except ECD and Nursing) encouraged to meet program advisors between 11 a.m. and 12 noon in room 270 for ice cream sundaes.

5th Annual Open House!
4 to 7 p.m. campus/college-wide -- students are encouraged to bring their friends and family and show off their Pine Pride and campus! Instructors and staff will be on hand to talk with prospective and inquiring students!

Thurs. Oct. 27
"Study Secrets and Resources!"
Student Senate and student clubs will be available in the lounge and halls to showcase their activities.

Open House in the Academic Skills Center AND in Student Affairs. Get re-acquainted and connected with support services.

Hot dogs and chips available at the bistro tables.

Fri. Oct. 28
"Staying Healthy!"
Surround yourself with positive people, and spend some time in the ASC getting unfinished work finished! Drawings for prizes in the ASC for attendance at weekly events, and popcorn at the bistro table area.

PTC part of $19.6 million federal health training grant

PTC will partner with nine other two-year colleges across the country in a $19.6 million federal workforce training grant that targets the health professions. The U.S. Department of Labor announced the grant in September as part of a $500 million round of workforce training awards to community colleges by the Obama administration.

Under the three-year grant program, Cincinnati State Technical and Community College will take the lead in the partnership program in what will be known as the “Health Professions Consortium.” Part of the impetus for the grant came from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as a result of its research into a pioneering health workforce training program launched in Cincinnati. That program, known as the Health Careers Collaborative, has seen Cincinnati State, hospitals, and other organizations work together to help individuals acquire needed training to land jobs, or to improve their chances for promotion if they already have jobs.

Joining Cincinnati State and Pine Technical College in the grant program are: Anoka-Ramsey Community College, Minn.; El Centro College and Texarkana College, Texas; Ashland Community and Technical College and Jefferson Community and Technical College, Ky.; Owens Community College, Ohio; City Colleges of Chicago, Ill.; and Community College of the District of Columbia.

The consortium has three major goals:
• Provide low-skilled workers with adequate preparation, support and opportunities to complete postsecondary training in health professions that provide credentials aligned with job advancement;
• Expand and enhance the health care workforce with the competencies needed by industry;
• Build the capacity of community colleges to continuously assess student and employment outcomes and use the information to improve the quality of health professions programs.

PTC’s share of the grant totals about $1.7 million, and the college, in conjunction with the Healthcare Alliance, plans to expand its programs in healthcare training fields. The college currently offers programs in long-term care, nursing, and general health science, and with support from the grant, the college is tentatively planning to offer additional programs in limited scope X-ray technology, certified medical assisting (CMA), as well as phlebotomy and EKG certificates.

“This is an exciting moment for Pine Technical College. This grant will allow us to expand job training in healthcare, as well as work toward meeting critical workforce shortages in the industry,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., Pine Technical College President. “The demand for healthcare professionals is expected to continue growing, and with our strategic partnership with the Healthcare Alliance, we remain on the forefront of pursuing innovative ways to expand our programs to strengthen the development of a skilled workforce. I congratulate all our partners on securing this significant award,” Musgrove adds.

PTC helps bring the Highway 61 Film Fest to life

The Highway 61 Film Festival comes to Pine Technical College this weekend, Oct. 14 and 15. The festival will feature 39 short and feature-length films. Doors open at the PTC auditorium (room 20) at 6 p.m. Friday for the first session of films. The price for each session of films is only $5.

FULL SCHEDULE

FRIDAY EVENING 6:30 pm @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

What If?
Director: Noah Schwell • Comedy • 6 min
A boy discovers what it's like to have all his wishes suddenly answered.

Boundary Waters
Director: Lee Houghtaling • Drama • 36 min
A gruff loner who lives in a remote cabin faces financial pressures and the encroachment of outsiders that threaten his way of life.

Five Bucks Til Friday
Director: Zach Hamill • Comedy • 28 min
Goofy slacker Scott wakes up Monday morning with five dollars to his name... and has to make it last for five frustratingly eventful days.

Stories Next Door
Director: Jeff Weihe • Documentary • 28 min
A close-up look at innovative programs that connect youth and seniors to record and celebrate local history as part of the Minnesota Historical Society's statewide Sharing Community Stories initiative.

Lumber Jill
Director: Tucker Lucas • Comedy • 29 min
Jill LeBlah, an urban misfit, decides to finally seek her birth parents. Her journey leads her to Cloquet, an old logging town in northern Minnesota, where she, in the midst of magical lumberjacks and talking taxidermy discovers … a home?

Songs to Enemies and Deserts
Directors: David Martinez and Shane Bauer • Documentary • 35 min
In Darfur, an area of Sudan controlled by two factions of armed rebels, farmers and herders go about with their daily lives as they interact with the rebels. It’s been said that 95 percent of a war is waiting, and this film is about that part: when the conflict comes to a standstill, and the men with guns become part of everyday existence. Life is hard in Darfur, but it continues on nonetheless.

FRIDAY LATE NIGHT 10pm @ Danny C's BeachRocks Resort

Recreation
Director: James Vogel • Documentary • 8 min
An observational documentary about drug use, and how it relates to our social activities.

All Over the Walls
Directors: Ryan Anderson, Greg Paape, Joe Galegher, Jake Johnson, and Alex Grangaard • Documentary • 77 min
This documentary follows eccentric and charismatic mixed media artist and body painter Jacob as he pursues his dream of building an art gallery that doubles as an underground party space in downtown Minneapolis. Experience the many difficulties and meet the collection of characters Jacob encounters.

The True Story of Peter Pan
Director: James Vogel • Comedy • 13 min
A mocumentary about what might happen if Peter Pan existed in the real world.

Night Surf
Director: Brittany Gustafson • Drama • 16 min
In an alternate reality where the Nazis won WWII and are now creating human-animal hybrids, the lives of five people intersect at a top secret medical facility.

Cocainine
Director: Jack Deflorin • Action/Horror • 20 min
A villainous plan to sell moondust as a drug brings chaos and murder to the city, and a detective is forced to get up earlier than he wanted to.

Your Mother's a Hunt
Director: John Karsko • Comedy • 14 min
Meeting her boyfriend's mom for the first time, a young woman goes toe to toe with her when the discover each is hiding a supernatural secret.

Hunting Buddies
Director: Bill Cooper • Action/Horror • 77 min
Old friends gather for a weekend of fun and hunting. But when one of them goes missing, dark secrets emerge.

SATURDAY 11:30 am • Family-Friendly @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

Rhythm Sticks
Director: Kristin Seuntjens • Animation (Not for competition) • 28 min
The whole family will love visiting the wonderful world of Rhythm Sticks, where learning about music is always fun!

Spaceman from Space
Director: Jack Deflorin • Comedy • 3 min
When a young space cadet crash-lands on an unknown planet he is forced to survive without a bunch of stuff, and in his search for stuff he finds himself in a battle of wits with the local inhabitants.

Whistle
Director: Mike Gainor • Comedy • 8 min
An unhappy boy looks for a cure for his sadness, and finds it... at the Pine County Fair!

Underwater Ocean Visit
Director: Bonnie Menigo • Documentary • 23 min
Join scuba divers as they discover underwater creatures in a world few people get to see.

Welcome to America: 50 states in 50 days
Director: Rodney Johnson • Documentary • 90 min
Roger Johnson and his travel partner Haley Chamberlain began a journey to all 50 United States in only 50 days. Starting in New York City, the two drove over 15,000 miles ending their journey in Honolulu, Hawaii on the 4th of July.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON 2:30pm @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

Ink Blots
Director: Sara Maki • Documentary (Not for competition) • 5 min
A trailer version of a documentary exploring the meanings and reasons for people's tattoo choices.

Out of Character
Director: Barbara P. Flees • Drama • 21 min
The world inside the mind of author Zander – once a heavy drinker and womanizer. He cleaned up his act and is ready to move on by killing his main character, Zeke, who represents Zander's unpleasant past. As he considers his options, Zeke tries to dissuade Zander from ending his book series.

Games Men Play
Director: Norm Barnhart • Comedy • 3 min
A news report on the destructive and addicting game that is sweeping the nation.

Cento
Director: Michael Thompson • Animation • 5 min
A strange and mysterious exploration of art and meaning.

Sun Gods
Director: Nial Hopkins • Drama • 16 min
When a stranger rolls into town with only a map to his name, he enlists two brothers to guide him on his journey.

Masquerade
Director: Jennifer Prettyman • Drama • 27 min
Two lost souls are brought together through an evening of drinks and conversation at a local bar.

Payback Time
Director: Mark Kopischke • Comedy • 7 min
An inventor uses his time-travel machine to wreak revenge on enemies and former girlfriends.

Harold Crumb
Director: Christopher Jopp • Drama • 24 min
Poor Harold. Too many fortune cookies to fill, and that yellow rabbit always out of reach...

The Suit
Director: Adam Chown • Comedy • 7 min
After receiving their tax refund, two friends purchase new suits with the sole intention of destroying them.

Lambent Fuse
Director: Matt Cici • Drama • 99 min
The choices of a depressive man, a kleptomaniac, two amateur thieves, a mysterious chef, and a corrupt cop cause their intertwining lives and dynamic outcomes.

SATURDAY EVENING 6:30pm @ Pine Technical College Auditorium

Love Notes
Director: Canyon Lalama • Action/Horror • 11 min
Lovelorn Victor is rejected by his beloved Henrietta. He is in the process of killing himself when he finds a magical accordion on the train tracks. He uses the accordion's magic to try and seduce Henrietta, but it backfires when she is stabbed by a fork. Victor must defeat the evil accordion and come to terms with the rejection.

Stitches
Director: Mason Makram • Action/Horror • 13 min
Jolene is wanted for the murder of a state trooper. Bullet wound in her stomach, she must do whatever it takes to get a passport to the border to Canada.

Bloodshed Love
Director: Mason Makram • Action/Horror • 17 min
1927: Handyman Daniel Coyle is called to yet another job at the house of the beautiful Becky Darling. As love buds, his boss takes him to a speakeasy where he finds Becky in the lap of her procurer, McLintock, whom Coyle discovers is her procurer. Coyle convinces her to stand up for herself, but McLintock will have the final say. Instead of taking her to a new life, Coyle finds ...

Roadside Assistance
Director: Mark Kopischke • Comedy • 8 min
Stranded in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire, an unhappy couple's journey to find a jack turns into a bizarre adventure as they meet some interesting characters along the way.

Dope Sick
Director: Elijah Woodcock • Action/Horror • 18 min
Todd Parker finds himself lost in a maze of a rundown hotel. Lovely Terra Crowe guides him through the twists and turns of his own mind in an attempt to escape his doomed fate.

Birthmarked for Death
Director: Matt Olson • Comedy • 8 min
A reluctant hitman and an inept informant bond over substitute teaching on the way to an execution.

Ghost from the Machine
Director: Matt Osterman • Action/Horror • 86 min
A young man, raising his even younger brother after the death of their parents, plunges himself into the murky science of the supernatural and invents a machine intended to be a conduit to the other side. He reaches an unintended level of success that not only threatens his safety, but also those around him.

SATURDAY LATE NIGHT 10pm @ Danny C's BeachRocks Resort • Adult content

The Missing Frame
Director: Elijah Woodcock • Action/Horror • 12 min
After finding his wife's dead body in their motel room, Johnny Keys goes on a hunt to find the man responsible. His only clue a car with a busted out back window he sees fleeing the scene.

Attack of the Moon Zombies
Director: Christopher R. Mihm • Action/Horror • 99 min
On Jackson Lunar Base, scientists stumble upon a seemingly impossible discovery: alien plant life on the surface of the moon! Unfortunately, exposure to the spores of this otherworldly flora cause instant death. Too bad those killed by them don't stay dead, and want nothing more than to replicate!

Some Fangs
Directors: Mark L. Nielson and Destiny Soria • Action/Horror • 9 min
A girl gets revenge on her human ex-boyfriend after a mysterious vampire turns her into one of the undead.

Potpourri
Director: Brandon Van Vliet • Action/Horror • 90 min
A group of students are faced with expulsion if their final philosophy papers are not satisfactory. As a result, the inept group of friends decides to experiment with a series of illicit drugs to help them understand some of the mind-bending concepts of the course – but the students begin to realize how severely they've underestimated the effects of the drugs...


Photo: Kristin Seuntjens introduces her film "Rhythm Sticks" Sat. morning at the festival. (Photo added Oct. 17)

PTC takes its show on the road!

Pine Technical College staff members have been traveling and representing PTC at various college fairs and public events over the last few weeks. Affectionately called the "PTC roadshow," the outreach efforts work to increase the college's visibility and reach. Staff members have recently attended college fairs in PTC's very own Pine City, Cambridge, and the national college fair is set for this week in Minneapolis. Additionally, admissions staff has been a featured guest presenter at several area high schools and job club meetings.

"Attending outside functions like college fairs and speaking at special events helps prospective students, at the very least, become aware of us as option. And, when they're ready to apply, we're top-of-mind," says Dani Chandonnet, PTC's Director of Marketing and Admissions. "September and October of every year is always a super-busy time for events like this, and the payoff, as far as increased visibility and reach, is well worth it," Chandonnet adds.

Don't miss the next PTC-hosted special event, set for Wed. Oct. 26 -- the 5th Annual Open House, 4 to 7 p.m.

Photo at top: Dani Chandonnet and Marlene Mixa, Ph.D., CBJT Grants and Outreach Coordinator, pause for a photo at the National College Fair, hosted by the National Association for College Admissions Counseling, at the Minneapolis Convention Center. (photo added Oct. 4)

PTC earns grant to support young students and their families

PTC was selected by the Minnesota Department of Health for a grant that will support young parenting students. PTC will receive up to $278,827, awarded in increments going on now through Aug. 31, 2013. The funding will be used to expand current services the college provides to young parenting students, as well as to start a new Young Student Parent Support Initiative.

"Our students are going to benefit from this grant in tremendous ways," says Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett, PTC’s Dean of Academic Affairs. "Many of our students are young parents, and it can be quite overwhelming to take it all on – working, raising and managing a family, plus taking college classes and finding time to study. This grant will be used for services that will support young parents toward achieving their college goals," Bloemendaal-Gruett explains.

Staff and faculty members representing a diverse mix of college departments, along with many of the college’s regional partners including Early Childhood Family Education and HeadStart, now are working together to identify and grow resources to develop and implement programs that will assist young adults with families and pregnant and parenting teens in college. The committee has identified target populations the program will serve, including: Pine Technical College young student parents; area high school student parents; and, parents participating In PTC’s Employment and Training Center programs. Additionally, outreach efforts will ensure the college and its partners reaches fathers, single parents, and parents from diverse backgrounds within the target groups.

"We are pleased to be able to bring a program like this to fruition – not only for our students, but also for the larger Pine Area," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "We couldn’t have secured this grant without our strong partners, nor would we be able to bring such rich early childhood family education sessions to campus. And, it’s such a comprehensive program with the Young Student Parent Support Initiative – that is a critical piece that will bring such value to our campus community," Mach adds.

The purpose of the Young Student Parent Support Initiative is to build the capacity of institutions of higher education to address the health and educational needs of pregnant and parenting young people and their children. Beginning in Oct. 2011, MDH will distribute two-year grant awards for approximately $2.7 million to ten institutions of higher education (including PTC) to establish, maintain or operate services for young pregnant or parenting students and their children.

Funded by the Pregnancy Assistance Fund, the Young Student Parent Support Initiative was authorized to develop and implement programs to assist pregnant and parenting teens and women. MDH applied for and received the funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Other colleges and/or universities that received like grants include: The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities; The University of St. Catherine; Century College, Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College; Leech Lake Tribal College; Metropolitan State University; Riverland Community College; St. Cloud State University; and, Winona State University.

PTC rolls out the 'Welcome Mat,' gets ready to host its 5th Annual Open House on Oct. 26

Pine Technical College will host an open house, Wed. Oct. 26, 4 to 7 p.m. The event is open to current and prospective students and their families, business and industry partners, PTC Foundation donors, and the public. In its fifth year, the event is predicted to draw nearly 100 attendees.

“This is anyone and everyone’s chance to tour the college, meet instructors, talk to advisors and college administrators, and get valuable program information on the spot,” said Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. “It’s not to be missed, even if you're just curious about PTC and want to see the inside of the building!” Mach added.

PTC's Fifth Annual Open House will be held at Pine Technical College, 900 Fourth St. SE, Pine City. In addition to instructors, advisors and admissions representatives on hand, refreshments will be served, and door prizes will be awarded to several lucky winners.

“This is PTC's chance to showcase its equipped labs and classrooms, and to introduce our knowledgeable and helpful faculty and staff members to students, new students and their families and friends,” PTC President Robert Musgrove said. “We're proud of all we offer, and we want our community to know and see all that we have,” Musgrove added.

PTC and Pine City Civic Center team up to host college fair, Sept. 30

Pine Technical College and the Pine City Civic Center have joined forces to bring a college fair to the Pine Area, Sept. 30. Representatives from nearly 100 colleges and universities across the U.S. and all branches of the military will be on hand with applications, financial aid information, and program and career information. The fair will be held at the civic center, 1225 Main St. S., Pine City, and will run 9 to 11 a.m.

“This is a really big deal for not just high schoolers in the area, but for anyone interested in pursuing a college education,” says Jodie Klinkhammer, event organizer and PTC Student Affairs Office Manager/Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs. “Of course, as a result of hosting the fair combined with the fact that we are the local college and likely the most convenient choice for students, we expect to gain the most traffic at our booth; however, it’s more than that – we love that high schoolers and adults seeking formal education have the opportunity to meet with so many varied options. It’s just good for us all to bring in this wide range of public, private, liberal arts, and other technical institutions for everyone to experience,” Klinkhammer adds.

The event will give students and parents an opportunity to explore a variety of options for continued education, liberal arts studies, technical training, or military service. Students and parents are able to visit with representatives, ask questions, and obtain literature about the schools and organizations of interest to them. Admission to the fair is free.

On-campus exhibit features artworks by Jason Boldt

Jason Boldt has been creating artwork since grade school and, while skilled in both sculpture and painting media, he is more well-known for his sculptures suggestive of fantastical architectural structures. Boldt typically creates his works as a hobby and only exhibits on occasion.

“I’ve shown my pieces at Minnesota State University – Mankato, a few galleries in Mankato, the Pine Center for the Arts, and now here,” Boldt says. “Showing my works is nice, but I really just enjoy the creative process, and making the works, and actually, teaching art,” he explains.

Boldt, a board member at the Pine Center for the Arts, teaches children’s basic drawing and painting classes at the center.

“It’s neat to get kids really excited about it; I like to show them how much fun it can be,” Boldt says.

Boldt studied art at Minnesota State University – Mankato and earned a BFA with emphases in both sculpture and painting. While there, he met his wife, Ann – one of PTC’s most popular instructors today. Ann also was a student at the time, working on her MFA in English.

Boldt says his works are “…based in abstract fantasy architecture – they are structures you wouldn’t find on this earth, but maybe in a fantasy landscape,” he explains. “I like taking ordinary structures from nature and recreating them so people see them in a unique and different way. Specifically, I like incorporating man-made structures into nature," Boldt adds.

Boldt hails from Mankato, Minn., where he grew up with four sisters and two brothers. Today, Boldt lives in the Pine Area, with his wife, Ann, and young son, Nick.

You can see Boldt’s artwork on display now through Dec. 2011. The exhibit features works of original art created by established and/or emerging artists from the Pine Area, embracing the talent and creativity of Pine Technical College students, staff, faculty, and the larger Pine community. The exhibit changes seasonally, and many kinds of artworks are showcased, including paintings, photographs, pottery, sculptures, sketches, wood carvings and more. If you are an artist from the Pine Area and wish to exhibit your works, see the Pine Technical College Marketing Director in Student Affairs.

Student Success workshops, going on now through Oct. 5

The Academic Skills Center, Disability Services, and Counseling Services have teamed up to bring PTC students a jam-packed agenda of Student Success workshops covering a range of topics to help students get off on the right foot at the start of the semester.

"These workshops introduce students to study tips, test-taking tips, and how to use and get the most out of D2L, for example," says Gloria Baker, PTC's Director of Disability Services. "Both new and returning students will benefit from these workshops, and all the workshops are open to everyone," Baker adds.

Schedule of Workshops
• Access and Support: D2L, Logging on, and all about the ASC
(Aug. 22 through Sept. 2 / 11 a.m.)
• It’s Time: School and Life Demands, and Getting it all Done
(Aug. 31 / 11 a.m.)
• Learning Styles: What they are, and How to Use Them
(Sept. 7 / 11 a.m.)
• LRTC: Research, Writing Papers and Avoiding Plagiarism
(Sept. 21 / 11 a.m.)
• Getting Smart: Unlocking the Secrets of Study Tips
(Sept. 28 / 11 a.m.)
• Getting Smarter: Test-taking Secrets
(Oct. 5 / 11 a.m.)

For more information about the workshops, visit the workshops site, or e-mail Gloria Baker, bakerg@pinetech.edu.

PTC's Fall, 2011 semester is officially underway

Opening its doors for the first day of fall semester classes, Pine Technical College is once again welcoming more than 1,000 new and returning students to the campus, as the term officially gets underway today. Students are locating their classrooms and labs, talking with academic advisors, purchasing textbooks, getting parking permits, and adding-and-dropping courses in a flurry of activity.

New and notable this fall, is PTC’s remodeled and expanded gunsmithing technology and prototyping labs. Gunsmithing technology students are returning to what looks like a different environment; the space has been significantly upgraded over the summer months.

"The gunsmithing program has been at PTC since 1980, and it has been in need of an upgrade for a while now," says Gunsmithing Technology Instructor Dave Defenbaugh. "But, this upgrade is more than just a face-lift – the space has been re-created to be more functional and usable for students. It’s not simply a cosmetic enhancement," Defenbaugh adds.

Also new this fall, PTC continues to expand educational opportunities by adding general education courses such as MUSC 1200, Music Appreciation and SPCH 1250, Intercultural Communication. By adding courses like these to its curriculum, the college is increasingly able to provide students with more general education options for students planning to later transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree.

In addition to expanded transfer opportunities, PTC continues to increase its academic and support services by offering a series of mini-workshops with focused topics such as, "School and Life Demands, and Getting it all Done," and "Unlocking the Secrets of Study Tips," and "Test-Taking Secrets," for example. These mini-workshops, co-sponsored by the Office of Disability Services and the Academic Skills Center, are going on now through Oct. 5.

Student Affairs literally steps outside the box with student service

Going on now through the first week of the fast-approaching Fall, 2011 semester, PTC's Student Affairs office is bringing student service to students -- literally! For a new student starting in the fall term, common items students might need include things like parking tags, book vouchers, and information about child care. These items and more are accessible right in front of the Student Affairs office; according to Nancy Mach, PTC's Dean of Student Affairs, it's about "bringing services students need directly to them."

Over the summer, the Student Affairs office kept busy with advising new students, administering placement testing, hosting Orientation events, and now, the department is assisting students with last-minute information they need to get their courses underway.

"These are items students need to address right away, and we will have the information in the main hall during the first few days of the semester," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "To provide these items and answers students need right up front is one way we are able to provide top-notch student service," Mach explains.

The Student Affairs staff affectionately calls the setup in the hall the "One-Stop Shop" or OSS. The OSS debuted this fall term on Mon. Aug. 15 -- the week prior to the first week of classes. So far, the OSS already has served more than 100 students.

Photo at top: Mary Stachowiak, of PTC's Student Affairs office, assists automotive student Vincent Rude at the OSS.

PTC expands its curriculum to offer more liberal arts courses

Providing several hands-on, hi-tech programs focused on preparing students for skilled careers, PTC is known for its popular programs like automotive, information, and business technologies; however, with new courses such as MUSC 1200, Music Appreciation and SPCH 1250, Intercultural Communication added to its curriculum, the college is increasingly able to provide students with more general education options for students planning to later transfer and pursue a baccalaureate degree.

“We’ve noticed a trend in students wanting to take more liberal arts courses, and we’re responding,” says Paula Hoffman, PTC’s Director of Academic Planning. “The result is a fall and spring schedule rich in diverse topics that give students a more well-rounded view – some would say, ‘worldly,’” Hoffman adds.

PTC’s added general education/liberal arts courses are transferable to all MnSCU upper-division universities – a common destination for many students planning to earn a bachelor’s degree on top of their PTC education.

“It will be so smooth and easy when I transfer into a bachelor's program,” says Greg Johnson, PTC business administration and accounting student. “I'll not only finish my A.S. in business and A.A.S in accounting, but also, I'll have completed all my generals and requirements for the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum right here at PTC, before I make the transition,” Johnson adds.

Historically, PTC always has offered many general education courses, but staff members have been working especially hard over the past several months to augment the college’s existing curriculum, as well as to hire instructors for the new courses. The resulting expanded lineup of courses is impressive – a sample of just a few of the courses PTC offers:

ANTH 1200, Introduction to Anthropology
AMST 1205, Significance of the Environment in Am. History
ARTS 1229, Introduction to the Visual Arts
ENGL 2276, Multicultural Literature
ENGL 2280, Introduction to Creative Writing
MUSC 1200, Music Appreciation
PHIL 1210, Foundations of Philosophy
PHIL 1230, Philosophy of Religion
POLS 1205, American Government and Politics
POLS 1210, Environmental Politics
SOCI 1225, Human Diversity
... and more!

PTC establishes new business technology degree and office technology specialist certificate

Pine Technical College is offering a new associate of applied science degree in business technology that starts this fall, Aug. 22. The program is designed and offered in two parts; a student first will earn an office technology specialist certificate and continue to earn the A.A.S. degree. With just the certificate, a graduate will possess skills and knowledge related to the IT field as well as have the ability to apply project management and planning skills from a business-administrative mindset.

"With our new business technology program, PTC stands ready to provide educated, well-qualified graduates to this relatively newly-defined and unique field," says Julie Shores, PTC business and accounting instructor. "The field of business technology combines themes, concepts, and applications from office technology, IT and business administration to give a student a hybrid skill set that is very much sought after by today’s business leaders," Shores explains.

While research proves IT professionals are in high demand, they also must be capable of making strategic business decisions and coordinating IT solutions among a myriad of departments and functions within an organization. PTC’s new program in business technology is a match for students seeking an education with both a business and information technology-rich emphasis, and who have an interest in working with technology to find solutions to technical and business problems.

With an A.A.S. degree in business technology, a graduate will be able to manage technical aspects of the IT field as well as possess project budgeting, leadership, and organizational skills necessary for today’s business practitioner and leadership positions.

"We’re very proud of our new business technology program," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "The program offers students a sound education in both the business and information systems environment with an emphasis on project and business management as well as business information management. Graduates will be an asset to any modern office," Musgrove adds.

PTC debuts new, hi-tech SimCenter

Did you know about PTC's hi-tech SimCenter? With the generous support of a $4.2M Department of Labor grant* awarded in 2009 and with the HealthCare Alliance, the college built a state-of-the-art center for simulation to benefit its healthcare education programs.

The high-fidelity simulation suite boasts the best Laerdal Medical has to offer. As of 2011, the Simulation Center features a SimMan 3G, two SimMan Classic (one of which travels to local healthcare providers to assist with their on-site training), three Vital Sim Nursing Annes, two Vital Sim Nursing Kellys, a Vital Sim Nursing Kid and Nursing Kelly, and several basic manikins used by the college's CNA and nursing classes. The Healthcare Alliance Simulation Center will also contain a control room and the Laerdal Advanced Video System to facilitate the debriefing process for PTC's programs. The integration of electronic medical records is also planned.

*This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This solution is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use, by and organization and/or personal use by an individual or non-commercial purposes, is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner. PTC's SimCenter is one of many elite centers around the country. Check out this directory of like centers.

PTC updates and expands its computer programs

This summer, PTC staff and faculty expanded upon its popular computer programs. Previously, PTC’s lineup of computer programs included a certificate and two associate degrees; however, beginning this fall semester, options for students will include: a networking and microcomputer technologies certificate; a network administration A.A.S. degree; a computer programming A.A.S. degree; and, a computer science A.S. degree. In addition to the expanded program offerings, nearly all individual courses within the programs underwent a careful restructuring and redesign, resulting in an impressive, up-to-date curriculum that exceeds recently-elevated industry standards.

“Technology is constantly changing, and as information technology educators, we also must change and update our curriculum to ensure our students and graduates possess the most relevant and applicable skills,” says Stephen Cody, PTC network administration instructor. “We are especially proud of our newly-redesigned programs, and we’re very excited to be able to prepare students with truly cutting-edge programming and network server administration skills that today’s employers demand,” Cody adds.

PTC’s networking and microcomputer technologies certificate, considered a student’s “first year” of the larger network administration A.A.S. degree, is a match for students who want to become effective, marketable network server administrators – whether the student has previous training or experience in the field or not.

Like the network administration program, PTC’s A.A.S. degree in computer programming also was carefully redesigned to give students high-level competence and advanced skills to meet today’s demanding expectations.

“The most important task of a computer programmer is to write code, and programming languages change constantly,” says Tony Mueller, PTC computer programming instructor. “With our updated programming curriculum, students will learn not only the basics of language and code, but also skills in areas of designing, repairing, and conserving programs. Programmers often become indispensible to the organizations they work for, and altogether, whether a graduate wants to work in small business or for a large corporation, there’s always a need for qualified programmers,” Mueller adds.

Picture this! PTC to host a special welcome event for new students

PTC's Student Affairs department is gearing up to offer a new special event for newly-admitted students this fall. The event, called Picture This!, is especially designed to welcome new students and their families.

"We offer the orientation and registration session to students at the time they start, but there is simply so much information offered at Orientation, and students are so focused on registering that we fear they aren't truly absorbing all that we have to offer," explains Nancy Mach, PTC's Dean of Student Affairs. "By providing a more relaxed and fun atmosphere by way of Picture This!, new students are more likely to really get to know us, their new environment, and the wide range of student services available to them," Mach adds.

Picture This! is set for Mon. Aug. 15, 4 to 7 p.m., and the event is open to all new students and their families. Staff members from around the college will be on hand, as well as several specific services, designed around the event's theme.

Special Sessions to be featured:
• Picture Perfect: Student IDs
• Picture Involvement: Student Clubs
• Picture Connectivity: Student E-mail account
• Picture Support: Veterans Center
• Picture Books: Campus Store
• Picture Readiness: Time-Management Coaching
• Picture Success: Academic Skills Center/Tutoring
• Picture Service: Counseling & Disability Services

Additionally, students will enjoy prizes, ice cream, and fun! For more information, contact PTC Student Affairs, 320-629-5100, or e-mail: information@pinetech.edu.

PTC to bring new technology business incubator to campus

Pine Technical College has announced plans to build an Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator. PTC's current Continuing Education and Customized Training building will undergo significant construction this fall and remodeling to house the incubator.

Cuningham Group Architecture was selected in Aug. 2010 to oversee the design, and more than 10 PTC staff members, faculty members, administrators, and members of the larger Pine area comprise the committee that is working closely with the firm toward the best design. Construction/ground-breaking is tentatively set for mid-September, 2011, and the incubator’s first tenants may begin operations from the center as early as Feb. 2012.

"It is our vision the incubator will serve as a solid foundation for highly successful companies," says PTC President Robert Musgrove. "PTC can offer promising start-up companies a nurturing environment for growth as well as opportunities to tap into a rich network of business resources that are invaluable to a company’s development," Musgrove adds.

The committee plans for the new Entrepreneurship Center and Technology Business Incubator to house light manufacturing and technology-based businesses working toward producing innovative products or services. The facility will be designed to house two to three start-up companies simultaneously, as well as comfortable meeting space. Additionally, the facility will be designed in a resource-efficient manner, using renewable energy.

Image at top: An early drawing/concept depicting how PTC's Continuing Education & Customized Training building may look, from the southwest corner of Main St. and Hillside Ave. once construction is complete, incorporating the new business incubator. (Note: At this time, changes/modifications are likely.)

PTC welcomes incoming MnSCU Chancellor Rosenstone

Photo above: Andy LeTourneau, JCS staff member, demonstrates the capabilities of virtual reality equipment to incoming Chancellor Rosenstone as PTC President Robert Musgrove looks on.

Incoming MnSCU Chancellor Steven Rosenstone toured PTC today and met many of PTC's administrators and staff and faculty members. Rosenstone, vice president for scholarly and cultural affairs, and professor of political science at the University of Minnesota, was selected in February as the next chancellor of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities by the Board of Trustees. Rosenstone is set to begin Aug. 1 and will succeed James H. McCormick, who is retiring as chancellor of the 32-institution system with an enrollment of more than 434,000 students in credit- and non-credit courses.

"I look forward to meeting and working with the students, faculty and staff. I also plan to connect with business leaders and other members of the public. Minnesotans are rightfully proud of their state colleges and universities, and I will work hard to make an outstanding system even better," says Rosenstone.

Rosenstone has been vice president for scholarly and cultural affairs at the University of Minnesota since 2007. He came to the university in 1996 to serve as dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Under his leadership, the college revamped the undergraduate experience, created state-of-the-art facilities and forged new partnerships with businesses, communities, cultural and civic organizations.

Over the years, Rosenstone led numerous university systemwide initiatives, including the national conference on Keeping Our Faculties of Color and task forces on scholarships, private fundraising, and long-term financial strategy. Rosenstone was awarded the McKnight Presidential Leadership Chair for his service to the university.

Before coming to the University of Minnesota, Rosenstone was an assistant, associate, and then full professor of political science at Yale University until 1986 when he became a professor of political science at the University of Michigan and program director in the Center for Political Studies. He is the author of four books and numerous scholarly articles on elections, political participation, and the challenges facing higher education. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Rosenstone received his bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Washington University and his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a member of the board of directors of the Guthrie Theater.

Photo above: Terri Nelson, PTC/Healthcare Alliance staff member, demonstrates a SimMan -- a hi-tech manikin used to teach and train healthcare students -- as incoming MnSCU Chancellor Rosenstone finds the manikin's pulse.

US Bank gives $2500 to PTC’s Bridging the Dream scholarship campaign

US Bank of Pine City gave $2500 to Pine Technical College’s annual Bridging the Dream scholarship campaign on Monday. The gift will support two scholarships for two full-time PTC students starting this fall.

"We are proud to support higher education in our community,” says Frank Christopherson, President of US Bank of Pine City. “Pine Technical College is a great asset to the county and region, and we are pleased to be able to assist PTC students, and in turn, the college, and the community,” Christopherson adds.

The PTC Foundation initiated the annual Bridging the Dream campaign in 2000, and each year, the campaign raises and awards nearly $30,000 to PTC students in the form of scholarships. US Bank has been a longtime supporter of PTC; the bank has given regularly to the scholarship fund since 2003. Altogether, US Bank has given $14,250 to the college and PTC students.

“The entire PTC community is grateful to US Bank,” PTC President Robert Musgrove says. “Our students directly benefit from the annual campaign, and in the long run, the community benefits by having educated graduates contributing to the economy and serving in their various, trained roles,” Musgrove adds.

Photo at top: Frank Christopherson, President of US Bank of Pine City, gives a check in the amount of $2,500 to Robert Musgrove, President of Pine Technical College. The gift represents a significant portion of PTC’s annual Bridging the Dream scholarship fund.

THE LINK now available online

PTC proudly announces the 2011 issue of THE LINK, the college's annual magazine, is now available online. Click here for the interactive 2011 edition, featuring profiles of several star students and alumnae, plus many more campus highlights!

PTC to host manufacturing summer camp, Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs!

Pine Technical College will host the Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs® Advanced Manufacturing Summer Camp next week for high school students who have completed grades 9–11. Designed to help inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, entrepreneurs and manufacturers, the camp is a technical, hands-on experience to introduce students to 21st-century manufacturing technology and basic entrepreneurial skills.

During the camp, there will be daily team Robotic Challenges, like maneuvering the robotic arm through an obstacle course and writing a letter with the robot. Projects will include machining parts for a paperweight/pen holder and assembling it in a robotic cell; making a keychain, a box with hinges, and a bottle via plastic injection molding and blow molding; producing a personalized medallion with a CNC router; laser engraving a carabiner; and, creating a design in CAD SolidWorks to print in 3D on a plastic disk. Lead Instructor Dave Carroll, an automation and robotics expert, is an inventor and entrepreneur who holds many patents and has built several businesses.

Just the basics about the camp...
WHO: High School Students who've completed grades 9–11
WHAT: Advanced Manufacturing Camp, with an entrepreneurial focus.
Participants will explore product design and creation, utilizing
• Entrepreneurship
• Computer Aided Design (CAD)
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Programming / Machining
• Automation and Robotics
• Plastic Injection and Blow Molding
• Visits to Area Manufacturers
WHEN: Monday – Friday, June 13 – 17, 2011, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm each day
WHERE: Pine Technical College in Pine City, Minnesota
COST: $60.
• includes T-shirt, daily lunch, all instruction and materials, and field trip transportation)

One college credit will be awarded to all campers successfully completing the camp. Scholarships are available for those with a demonstrated need to help cover registration and transportation to and from the camp. For more information, click here, or contact Marlene Mixa with questions, mixam@pinetech.edu or 320-629-4557.

Introducing the new associate degree in nursing mobility!

PTC will offer an associate of science nursing degree beginning in the fall of 2011, when the first class will begin their studies. The new program seeks to address the growing nursing shortage in East Central Minnesota and Western Wisconsin. The program, designed for early to mid-career practical nurses who want to advance their education and careers as leaders in healthcare organizations and in community health settings, is a natural progression for LPNs who want to build on their education and work experience.

"By providing this program, first, we are helping to address workforce needs in this area," says Krista Hoekstra, PTC Director of Nursing. "The program is ideal for current LPNs who wish to gain their RN credential; it’s essentially a third year of college for them – on top of the two-year practical nursing diploma program we have in place." Hoekstra explains.

Because the program is designed for LPNs, admission is selective and requires a practical nursing diploma or its equivalent plus the license; documentation of current Health Care Provider CPR course; completion of a criminal background check; and, students will need to complete a physical and obtain certain immunizations. The program is comprised of both in-class lecture and an advanced clinical component.

"Our program is designed to do a lot!" says Hoekstra. "It will enhance retention of educated nurses in our community; it will prepare nurses for leadership roles; and, it will provide a pathway for nurses to pursue advanced credentials and degrees. Altogether, we’re very proud of our newly expanded nursing program, and we’re looking forward to educating a robust, strong cohort of nursing students this fall. We’re ready to educate the next generation of RNs," Hoekstra adds.

Classes start Aug. 22; however, applications to the new program are due by June 27. For specific program information and a list of courses, visit the program page.

Manufacturers are hiring again; what skills do they seek?

Photo above: Steve Nelson, a student in the Computer Controlled Precision Machining Diploma program, works a CNC mill in PTC's machining lab.

Finding a job in the current economy is a difficult task; however, recent reports indicate an unexpected source of jobs this year within the manufacturing industry is on the rise. According to expert estimates, the manufacturing industry is expected to fill a couple hundred thousand positions before the year's end. This is welcome news for an industry accustomed to shedding jobs overseas. There's a slight catch though -- manufacturers are looking to fill highly skilled roles; therefore, these jobs will be hard obtain unless candidates have advanced training and skills.

Industry experts note a dramatic skills shift in the manufacturing industry in recent years. Jobs that rely primarily on manual labor and brute strength are either declining or being sent overseas. This is sometimes referred to as the loss of "old line" manufacturing. So, what skills are manufacturers looking to hire for these days?

Skills manufacturers seek are primarily technology-related. They center around being able to work with the high tech machinery manufacturers increasingly rely on. Sure, there are still some manual labor jobs out there, but most of those are being lost overseas or declining here. The jobs trending upward require mathematical and reasoning abilities, knowledge of computerized systems, the ability to read blueprints, and/or the ability to write machine programming code.

To capitalize on the hiring rebound, prospective employees should seek specialized training and formal education; one of the best ways to accomplish this is to enroll in a technical training program such as the ones PTC offers. PTC is prepared to meet industry needs with skilled graduates from any of its machining programs: Precision Machining Certifiate; Computer Controlled Precision Machining Diploma; Computer Controlled Precision Manufacturing A.A.S. Degree; and, Advanced Manufacturing Technology -- Prototyping/Reverse Engineering Certficate. To learn more about these programs and how to apply, come for a Campus Visit!


Photo above: Robert Flannery, a a student in the Precision Machining Certificate program, works on a milling machine in PTC's machining lab.

Article adapted from: Singleton, D. (2011, April 29). Manufacturers are hiring again; what skills are they looking for? Software Advice . Retrieved May 24, 2011 from http://www.softwareadvice.com/articles/manufacturing/manufacturers-skills-in-demand-1042911/.

New ACCUPLACER Prize Patrol program in place

For PTC applicants, part of the application process is to take the ACCUPLACER assessment test. The ACCUPLACER test measures a student's level of ability in three areas: reading, writing/sentence skills, and math. Depending on the test results, applicants may be placed directly in college-level courses at the outset of their college career, or they may be required to take foundations courses to help prepare them for the required college courses they must take later.

Erin White, Director of the Academic Skills Center at PTC and a member of PTC's Retention Committee explains the ACCUPLACER Prize Patrol, a new program at PTC, is the product of an idea born from the Retention Committee to encourage applicants to study and prepare for the test; by taking the practice test and preparing for it, applicants will win PTC prizes, but what's more valuable is that they will earn higher ACCUPLACER scores and possibly bypass a few foundations courses.

"We see and understand that applicants who score lower on the test are more at risk of being discouraged from even beginning at PTC," White says. "Also, for those students who are not discouraged right away and begin coursework in the foundations classes, and depending upon how many foundations classes they have to take before they even get into their programs -- that can become discouraging as time goes on," White explains. "What it comes down to is that, what originally was a two-year plan for a student may become a three-year plan including the foundations courses, and unfortunately, that sometimes is enough to discourage a student from continuing and finishing," White adds.

The ACCUPLACER Prize Patrol program rewards applicants for preparing for the ACCUPLACER. "When applicants report for the ACCUPLACER, they just have to bring in a printout of their practice results, and we will give them a prize -- a PTC bumper sticker. Plus, if they specifically practice the math portion, they will be entered into a drawing for a second, more valuable bonus prize," White explains.

Applicants should visit these sites to practice the ACCUPLACER:
• http://demo-test.accuplacer-test.com
• www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/accuplacer/
• http://algebrahelp.com/

Early childhood development program instructor recognized by MnSCU as "Outstanding Educator"

Pine Technical College early childhood development program instructor and advisor Melissa Felland recently was honored at the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Luncheon at the annual Excellence in Teaching awards event. Felland was among 33 MnSCU faculty members, pared down from a pool of more than 8,000, recognized at the event for their contributions to student learning and success. Felland received an Outstanding Educator award; her award is the first for PTC in the program’s five-year history.

“Melissa is a truly great instructor, and we feel lucky to have her. We are all very proud of her and thrilled she was recognized today for her dedication and commitment to students and their success,” says Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., President of Pine Technical College. “It’s well-known at PTC that Melissa is admired and greatly respected by not only her students, but staff, faculty, and everyone on campus,” Musgrove adds.

Felland has been teaching at PTC since Aug. 2002 in the college’s early childhood development program, where she also serves as the department chair. The program draws upon the latest research in child development and education and provides students with knowledge and skills necessary to work successfully with children and their families in a variety of settings and roles.

“I feel so honored to be a part of this,” Felland says. “While I’m proud to represent PTC in this way, to share the stage with so many of the state’s top educators is humbling,” Felland adds.

The awards program further pared down the system’s 33 outstanding educators and named four Educators of the Year from that pool. The Educator of the Year award is the system’s highest academic honor, and the 2011 winners are: Elizabeth Picciano of Central Lakes College; David I. Page of Inver Hills Community College; Pamela Anne Tranby of Riverland Community College; and Catherine Egenberger of Rochester Community and Technical College.

“I am proud we can highlight the depth of excellence of our faculty with these awards,” says MnSCU system Chancellor James H. McCormick, Ph.D. “The honorees exemplify what we value most in this system – high-quality teaching, service to students and community, and scholarship and professional expertise," McCormick adds.

Photo at top: Melissa Felland receives her Outstanding Educator award at the annual Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Board of Trustees Excellence in Teaching awards ceremony. Pictured left to right: MnSCU Chancellor James H. HcCormick, PTC Instructor Melissa Felland, MnSCU Trustee Duane Benson.

Congressman Chip Cravaack visits PTC

Last Fri., April 28, the state’s newest congressman, U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-8), visited PTC for a tour of the campus and to gain firsthand knowledge about PTC, its programs, its hi-tech facilities and how the college continues to provide access and serve East Central Minnesotans’ need for higher education. PTC President Robert Musgrove, Ph.D., led Cravaack and District Director Sheldon Anderson on a tour of the campus, highlighting PTC’s hi-tech labs and fully-equipped classrooms. The tour included a hands-on demonstration with simulation manikins in the college’s nursing department, a rapid prototyping demonstration in the college’s precision manufacturing department, and a virtual reality demonstration in PTC’s Johnson Center for Simulation.

During his visit, Cravaack was briefed by Musgrove on recent activities and achievements by PTC faculty and staff members, including Early Childhood Development Instructor Melissa Felland’s recent recognition by MnSCU as an “Outstanding Educator,” as well as Director of Facilities Steve Lange’s recent recognition by MnSCU, "Outstanding Service in Facilities Management." While visiting, Cravaack also learned about PTC's many strong partnerships with other institutions, including its vital role in the Healthcare Alliance, an organization comprised of several East Central Minnesota healthcare organizations and higher education institutions that work together to train and fill the state's healthcare workforce shortage with high-quality healthcare workers.

Photo at top: Guided by PTC staff member Terri Nelson, Congressman Cravaack takes the pulse of a simulation manikin in the nursing department. (L to R: PTC Director of Strategic Initiatives Stefanie Schroeder; District Director Sheldon Anderson; Healthcare Technology and Simulation Lab Coordinator Terri Nelson; Congressman Cravaack; President Robert Musgrove.)

Two PTC staff members selected to participate in prestigious Luoma Leadership Academy Program

Photos above: Paula Hoffman, left; Shawn Reynolds, right

Two Pine Technical College staff members, Paula Hoffman and Shawn Reynolds, were selected to participate in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities prestigious Luoma Leadership Academy Program. Hoffman, Curriculum Development Coordinator, and Reynolds, Director of Financial Aid, were selected from a pool of applicants across the MnSCU system to be a part of the 2011-2012 cohort, which is limited to 54 enrollees.

"I feel so lucky to be a part of this program," Hoffman says. "I’m so proud to be a part of the MnSCU system already, and I plan to stay with PTC for many years. This training and development will enhance my ability to contribute even more," Hoffman adds.

“I'm very excited about this opportunity," Reynolds says. "The program will give me a better understanding of the MnSCU system and allow us to better meet the needs of our students," Reynolds adds.

Named for Trustee Emeritus Jim Luoma, who was a great proponent of providing leadership development opportunities for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities employees, the Luoma Leadership Academy is an 18-month leadership development program designed to nurture leadership talent within the MnSCU system. Eligible participants may include department and faculty deans, human resource directors, business managers, chief financial officers, as well as faculty and staff who aspire to future leadership positions.

The Luoma Leadership Academy is supported and sponsored by the MnSCU system in cooperation with The Academy for Leadership and Development in Mesa, Arizona.