SEMESTER REVIEW Another semester is in the books
at Northland. Life moves quickly at Northland
and we want to stop and briefly reflect on a few of the highlights and important events from fall semester. A quick glance at Northland’s website will give a much more detailed look at all of the great things that happened but in this article we will touch on Vice President Hanson’s interim position change, a cooperative effort between Altru and the state to get new radiologic equipment, Pioneer volleyball’s banner season, and an increase in enrollment at Northland. Kent Hanson, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, accepted a one-year interim position as president of Riverland Community College in Austin, Albert Lea, and Owatonna. His departure has required the reshuffling of many responsibilities. Rather than refilling his position on a one-year temporary basis, the deans agreed to take on more responsibilities over the course of this year. Kudos to deans Brian Huschle, Steve Crittenden, Jim Retka, Mary Fontes, and new Dean of Nursing Jodi StaussStassen for their willingness to shoulder this great responsibility. Northland Community & Technical College was chosen as one of 15 schools that received funds to update equipment. This was made possible by a state appropriation and private funding from businesses around the state, and will support education and training in high-demand occupations. Northland received $49,000 in state funds matched by $51,000 in private funding from Altru Health System for a computed radiography unit valued at $100,000 that will give radiologic technology students hands-on experience on equipment now used in the health care industry. “Northland is an important asset to the community as they train health care professionals for areas that are always in high demand. We see investments in these educational partnerships as an investment in the future of medicine in our region,” said Dave Molmen, CEO of Altru Health System.
For the second straight year, the Northland women’s volleyball team advanced to the NJCAA national tournament. The Pioneers took a third place finish back to Thief River Falls after some intense competition. The Pioneers were ranked No. 3 in the preseason polls and were seeded third in the NJCAA national tournament. The team was also the NJCAA Region 13B champion for the second straight year. It was a 27-8 season for head coach Abdul Chamma and the Pioneers. Northland is also very proud to report that enrollment is up again this semester. Mary Fontes, Dean of Student Services, reported that Northland’s enrollment appears to be 3-4% higher. This statistic gives proof that Northland is committed to offering high quality education at an affordable price. At a time, in an area with low unemployment, an increase in enrollment is opposite of national trends and Northland is pleased to be able to say that.