"Don't settle for a 'C,' when you can earn an 'A!'" Visit the Academic Skills Center

The Academic Skills Center (ASC), also known as the "Tutoring Center," offers PTC students a variety of options to supplement their academic and technical experiences. Plus, all services are free and available in nearly all areas including writing, math, biology, anatomy and physiology, accounting, and the list goes on.

"We have excellent tutors on hand who are at the top of their class," says Erin White, Director of the Academic Skills Center. "Our peer tutors really know their stuff!" White adds.

The ASC offers flexible hours to accommodate students' busy schedules and is conveniently located in a cozy corner of the Learning Resources and Technology Center (LRTC). Additionally, the ASC boasts its own Writing Lab, a service for those students needing to brush up their skills in writing and composition. With this service, students may submit draft papers and essays for peer tutors to review via e-mail or in hard copy format. Tutors review it, make notes and suggestions, and students are free to submit drafts multiple times -- as many as they need. Additionally, the ASC is using new, state-of-the-art technology, such as the interactive screen in the photo below, to supplement all facets of peer tutoring offered.

"Students who find they're struggling can just simply walk in. The mid-term is fast-approaching, so I would encourage students to polish up their skills and knowledge in our center now, and be prepared," White says. "Also, I would encourage those students who may not be struggling so much. Everyone could use a little help, and that's what we're here for," White adds.

For more information about the PTC Academic Skills Center, visit the Center's website.


Photo: Students use the new large screen in the LRTC for tutoring.

PTC wins $4.2 million to train healthcare workers

Pine Technical College is poised to set in motion a $4.2 million grant project recently awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). The project, Health Occupations Providing Economic Stimulus (HOPES), will recruit, train and employ almost 1,200 registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aides and medical laboratory technologists in east central Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

HOPES works to expand the capacity for allied health education in nursing and medical laboratory technology programs, according to PTC President Robert Musgrove. PTC’s statistics show that Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine counties in Minnesota and Burnett and Polk counties in Wisconsin are facing an escalating amount of retirees, a growing demand for health care, fewer workers, an average unemployment rate of more than nine percent and unemployed workers staying on unemployment insurance longer. In 2007, PTC responded responded by gathering partners from area school districts, higher education, healthcare providers and the workforce development center system to address a regional worker shortag and initially dubbed themselves the "Healthcare Alliance." Nearly three years later and more than two dozen partners strong, the assembly has "a vision for a strong, qualified workforce with opportunities for professional growth," according to Musgrove.

For more information about the HOPES grant and what it means to PTC and the Pine Area, read the whole story, here.

Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett named new Dean of Academic Affairs

On Feb. 9, Joan Bloemendaal-Gruett was selected by a six-member search committee to fill the position of Dean of Academic Affairs at Pine Technical College. The committee, comprised of three faculty members, three administrators and Ames Candice, Curriculum Coordinator, Pine City High School, initiated a nationwide search to fill the position in Nov. 2009.

"Dr. Bloemendaal-Gruett has been an outstanding leader in her previous role with the college as Executive Director of the Employment and Training Center," says Pine Technical College President Robert Musgrove. "She has worked with integrity and diligence and brings leadership and a sincere dedication to education and the PTC community to this role," Musgrove adds.

Bloemendaal-Gruett has worked in education since 1982, both in higher education and in the pre-K to 12th grade arena as a school psychologist and principal. Most recently, Bloemendaal-Gruett served as Executive Director of Employment and Training since July, 2006 and has been serving as Interim Dean of Academic Affairs since Oct. 2009.

"When Dr. Musgrove asked me to serve as the Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, I was honored to be entrusted with supporting the mission and values of PTC in yet another way,” Bloemendaal-Gruett says. "I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue in this role and work closely with faculty and staff in providing superior education and social services," Bloemendaal-Gruett adds.

"Student Affairs has been so impressed with Joan’s leadership and outstanding responsiveness during the interim," says Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "We in Student Affairs are very happy with the committee’s choice, and I especially look forward to working with her in the long run," Mach adds.

Gruett holds an Ed.D. in educational policy and administration from the Univ. of Minnesota, Twin Cities and an M.S. in education as well as graduate certification in school psychology from the Univ. of Wisconsin, River Falls. Bloemendaal-Gruett’s undergraduate education was completed at Southwest Minnesota State Univ., where she double-majored in Psychology and Literature.

PTC student Lucas Pangerl "On a Mission"

Pine Technical College student Lucas Pangerl has skills. An accomplished sketch artist and rap/hip-hop performer at only 18, Pangerl’s immediate plan includes finishing the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum at PTC and transferring to an upper-division college or university to earn his bachelor’s degree in music performance or illustration. Pangerl, known on campus and in the community as "LP," is considering the Minneapolis College of Art and Design for a B.F.A. in illustration or a B.A. in music performance from either the Univ. of Minnesota’s School of Music or the McNally Smith College of Music.

"As an artist, I like to create, express and inspire," LP said. "I want to make a career in making music, and I also want to design my own CD covers."

Already, LP’s music draws a crowd on his Myspace page, where songs like "Life," "Ima Make it to the Top" and "I’m on a Mission" are available to listeners. In May, 2009, LP performed his first hit, "They Call Me LP" in front of a live audience – the entire Pine City High School student body.

"I couldn’t believe the response – they loved it!" LP said. "They were cheering, and they wanted an encore. Before that performance, I was nobody, but from that moment on, it was like I was instantly popular," LP added.

LP is working on the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum, a lineup of general education requirements that transfer to a variety of upper-division colleges, but in particular, LP indicated he looks forward to taking ARTS 1229, Introduction to the Visual Arts, since it is directly related to his field of study and career choice.

"I appreciate all forms of art, and since I am an artist, I’m definitely looking forward to learning more about the history of art and basic principles of art design," LP said. "I enjoy making music, but just as much, I like to sketch and illustrate," LP added. For more about LP and to hear his music, visit his Myspace page.


Image: LP's sketch of his first planned CD, "They Call Me LP."

February display recognizes Black History Month

In recognition of Black History Month, Pine Technical College has assembled a display honoring Black Americans in American history. The display, managed by the Diversity Committee, is in the main hallway on the west wall and will be showcased throughout the month of February.

"The Diversity Committee has proactively taken advantage of this prominent location to honor and recognize the diversity PTC represents," says Penny Hudlow, Diversity Committee Co-Chair. "In January, the display area was used to introduce the committee and its members. Now, into February, we are using the display area to honor American Black History Month," Hudlow adds.


Photo: The display area on the west wall of the main hall.


Photo: The display on the east wall of the main hall.

Next month, the committee plans to showcase a display honoring Women's History Month to complement the month of March.