Rep. Nornes and Rep. Rarick visit PTCC

Pine Technical & Community College President Joe Mulford confirmed the impact of state legislative support can have on the college’s ability to purchase cutting edge equipment for its programs, such as the transmission dynometer, purchased through leveraged funds and matches through federal grants and PTCC Foundation initiatives.

Rep. Bud Nornes, chair of the Higher Education Policy and Finance Committee, and district 11B Rep. Jason Rarick visited Pine Technical & Community College to conduct town hall meetings with students, faculty and staff. It was also an opportunity for the PTCC community to demonstrate the importance of legislative support.

From facility improvements to new equipment, funding support at the legislative level is vital in helping Pine Technical & Community College serve the needs of its students, area employers and the community as a whole.  

From the auditorium which hosts college classes and community events like the recent Hwy 61 Film Fest, to the-state-of-the-art science lab, state HEAPR (Higher Education Asset Preservation and Renovation) funds have had a huge impact on the facility, allowing the college to continually improve, President Joe Mulford told the representatives while touring the campus. Additionally, leveraged state funds allowed PTCC to purchase a transmission dynometer for PTCC’s automotive technician program, replacing the outdated equipment that was purchased used 40 years ago.

Students were appreciative of the tuition freeze legislation, which has kept tuition rates at Pine Technical & Community College to some of the lowest in the state. “I’m proudest of what we did there, because the focus was on where we could do the most good,” Nornes told the students of his work in higher education policy.

Students at the forum expressed concerned about access to technology on campus and high speed internet throughout the region.

The faculty and staff echoed that concern, along with the high cost of housing in east central Minnesota. Because many of the college’s students are place-bound, PTCC has been creative in providing opportunities to students through collaborations with partner colleges. “Because of our collaborations with other colleges, we offer pathways to our students they wouldn’t have otherwise,” faculty member Melissa Felland told the representatives.
 
As a graduate of a vocational college, Rarick recognized the significance of the opportunities PTCC provides to the community. “I know the importance of vocational education and the need to provide this type of education so we can replace the workforce. Schools like this are important,” he told the PTCC faculty and staff.

High-tech simulation healthcare lab



Students voice their concerns and support.

Faculty and staff have a Q&A session with Rep. Nornes and Rep. Rarick.