MSCS Campus Connect - December 2018

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast December 2018 A Technical and Community College Red Wing | Winona | Online How far can you go with a degree from MSC Southeast? Medical Laboratory Technician delivers a great return on investment Have you ever had your blood She is seeing a great return on her in- drawn? Or taken a strep test? vestment in a degree from MSC South- When you need medical care, east. “When you get a two-year degree, 70-80% of the time physicians you may not expect much, but I’ve got order some kind of lab test to an exciting job with a good salary and find out what’s going on. They benefits. Every day is different, and that are counting on the test to be ac- makes it fun.” curate — patients’ lives depend on it. She also appreciated that MSC South- east was affordable and accessible. “I “Medical Laboratory Techni- am so thankful that I had the two-year option so close to home! I know some Karissa Kluzik, Med Lab cians perform the lab work be- people my age who have four-year de- Tech at Saint Elizabeth’s hind the scenes,” according to grees and their student loan debt is in- in Wabasha Carol Canton, an instructor in the credible. I lived at home while I was in Med Lab Tech Program at Min- college, so I didn’t have to pay for col- lege room and board — that saved me nesota State College Southeast. money too.” “They do the detective work that makes it possible for health Karissa originally planned to be a nurse but it turned out she really liked care providers — nurse practitioners, physician assistants and lab work instead of direct patient care. “When a lot of people think of a career doctors — to accurately diagnose and treat their patients.” see Med Lab Tech on Page 4 Karissa Kluzik is one of the “detectives” in the lab at Saint Karissa is responsible for running lab tests, quality control, troubleshooting Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Wabasha. She graduated from equipment, and managing the hospital’s blood bank. the Med Lab Tech program at MSC Southeast in 2015 with a job offer already lined up. Now only 26 years old, she is well established in her profession and even owns a house! A career in Guitar Repair & Building: “Working my dream job” The best thank you note from as it has today,” Josh Chap- In 2017, Josh left Guitar Now in the role of Product “Thank you a graduate is one that lets man wrote. “I wanted to for passing on you know you’re training reach out and thank you all Center to look for a job at Manager at Cordoba Music a unique craft people to succeed in the “real for the great program you and skill to so world.” run.” one of the many guitar build- Group, he is one of the key many students. And most of all, MSC Southeast instructors Combining his training from ing companies in California. influences in instrument thank you for Brian Boedigheimer, David MSC Southeast with a Busi- helping students Vincent, and Steve Rossow ness Management degree, Shortly after, he was hired on design and direction for both embark on a recently received such a note Josh moved to California in career path of from Josh Chapman, who 2014 to join the Guitar Center as a Finishing Technician at Cordoba and Guild Gui- passion and earned his diploma in 2014 repairs team at their national music.” from the Guitar Repair & headquarters. Over the next the Guild factory in Oxnard, tars, combining his intimate Building program. three years, he went from fil- Josh Chapman ing guitar warranty claims to CA. knowledge of instruments airbrushes the “I had no idea that the caliber becoming the subject matter headstock of a of education and training I expert in instrument repair with his passion for leader- would receive from all three for the entire corporation. Guild guitar. of you would propel me as “Even though I had worked ship and innovation. deep into the guitar industry three years in an office job af- ter I graduated, the hands-on “I have already had the training you passed on still opportunity to use my held strong and I was able to drafting training, revamp step into production without wiring diagrams, and make missing a beat. I went from improvements to our level sanding, to touch up and production instruments. I can spraying, to ending my time honestly say that at such an in the factory as one of their early point in my career, I am main Finish Repair Techs,” already working my dream Josh said. job,” Josh wrote. One-year welding diploma results in a great job offer — before graduation At only 22 years old, Cody Narhgang is already an experi- Cody’s work is interesting and complex. Mid-City Steel makes At an age where some of his peers are graduating from a four- enced welder at Mid-City Steele in La Crosse. Between his large structural components for construction projects, such as year school with as much as $100,000 in debt, Cody is set to schedule and income, he says welding is a great career option. beams and plate work, which are fabricated at their plant and pay off his minimal student loans in short order. He’s support- then delivered to work sites all over the world. ing himself, managing a car loan, and living with friends. “I work three 12-hour days, and I’m paid as full-time,” he said. “I’ve been out of college for about 18 months now, and I had a “Some of these beams weigh thousands of pounds,” he said. Where does he expect to be in five years? “I’ll probably own job set up before I even graduated.” “My job is to read the blueprints, assemble the parts, and weld a house in the Winona area by then,” he said. “Or maybe I’ll continue my training and learn how to do underwater welding. them up. It’s like putting a great big puzzle together.” That would be an adventure!” He gets the satisfaction of building things every day, but said that, “Cutting things with a torch is fun too!” “When he was a student, I sent Cody down to Mid- INSIDE CAMPUS CONNECT City and he was able to take and pass their bend test right away,” noted his instructor, Casey Mann. “He Sustainable Food and Farming was certified to work for Mid-City two months before Program Launched Page 2 school was out.” The “bend test” involves welding two metal plates Online Degrees in top 20 for together to make a long bar. If it can be bent into a Affordability Page 3 U-shape without damaging the weld, the test is con- sidered a success. Bicycle Design Program Gains Worldwide Interest Page 3 Cody Narhgang and his instructor, Casey Mann. Cody graduated “Casey’s a good instructor. He’s strict but fair,” Cody from the Welding program and now works at Mid-City Steel in confided. “If you do the homework, read and follow High School Speaker Series Page 4 La Crosse, WI. directions, and really listen, you’ll get to be good at welding. The classes are long, but they got me ready for the work day out in the shop.” COMMITTED TO OUR COMMUNITY Hot Home-style Breakfast 303 Pelzer Street Pool and Hot Tub Winona MN 55987 Wine and Beer Pub Fitness Room 507.474.7700 Spacious Rooms & Suites www.americinn.com Wyndham Rewards

Campus Connect Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast Page 2 Career, technical, and transfer education: gateways to good paying jobs and lifelong learning Red Wing Campus Winona Campus By Dr. Larry Lundblad, Interim President, Minnesota State College Southeast 308 Pioneer Road 1250 Homer Road Winona, MN 55987 In this issue of Campus Con- a two-year degree or less. Practical Nurses, Medical Labora- Red Wing, MN 55066 Tandeski Center nect, we meet three young tory Techs, and Radiography Techs are in very high demand 1200 Storrs Pond Road alumni who have found satisfy- and can expect to start at an above-average salary and progress Winona, MN 55987 ing employment. One had a job rapidly in their careers. in hand before he graduated and www.southeastmn.edu will pay off his student loans in The broad field of transportation offers many opportunities 877.853.8324 short order. One is a medical for students who are interested in being service technicians or professional and a homeowner working in the trucking industry as drivers and dispatchers. At at age 26. And another simply Minnesota State College Southeast, we offer several programs Administrative Contacts says, “It’s my dream job! in this area. Potential annual earnings for certified auto and diesel mechanics and experienced auto body technicians can The fact is that there are many, exceed $100,000 per year. Truck drivers can expect starting many high-demand, high-paying paying job opportunities that salaries of $50,000 to $60,000 and can earn up to $100,000 require two years of college or less. Locally, employers tell us based on experience, distance, and type of freight. Larry Lundblad that many of these jobs are going unfilled — they just can’t Interim President [email protected] find enough people with the training they need. That’s where We have more programs in Business & Management; Edu- Minnesota State College Southeast steps in. Our programs re- cation & Human Services; Engineering, Manufacturing & flect the needs of the region and prepare graduates for the jobs Trades; Health Sciences; Information Technologies; Musical of today and tomorrow. Instrument Repair & Building; and Transportation that we could possibly list here! But all are designed to help students We are working hard to make sure that prospective students succeed in their careers and employers find the kind of skilled Mike Kroening understand that there are excellent middle-level career paths employees they need. Chief Financial Officer [email protected] available in the trade and technical areas. Because Southeast Minnesota is a manufacturing powerhouse, a number of our One additional area is important to consider: Liberal Arts & programs prepare students for careers in this area. The ad- Transfer Studies. Two-year associate degrees are also an option vanced manufacturing jobs of today take place in well-lit, at MSC Southeast. Graduates can enter the workforce directly well-designed, clean, and safe environments. These positions or go on to earn a baccalaureate degree, saving thousands of Jo Poncelet are exciting, challenging, and require a high level of skills. dollars over the cost of attending a university for all four years. Dean of Academics [email protected] Transfer Pathway Degrees that guarantee transfer of credits to They can also be very rewarding financially. Graduates in ad- Minnesota State universities are available for students major- vanced manufacturing, electronics, biomedical equipment re- ing in Accounting, Business, Exercise Science, History, Pre- pair, and mechatronics can expect to advance from beginning Social Work, and Psychology. salaries of $50,000 to $80,000 and up to $100,000+ with expe- rience. Certified welders can expect to start at $40,000 and of- Like many colleges, we are looking at ways in which we can Travis Thul ten advance to $60,000+ annually — experienced, specialized prepare graduates in an even shorter time period using high Dean of Trade and Technology [email protected] welders that travel can earn more than $100,000. technology systems, competency-based instruction, and credit Jennifer Eccles for prior learning. We are building enhanced pathways that al- Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services The health care sector, which has the largest number of em- low high school students the opportunity to begin their college Dean of Health Sciences [email protected] ployees in Southeastern Minnesota, is rapidly expanding due careers during the sophomore, junior, and senior years. to an aging population, advances in treatment options, and the demand for a variety of treatments and services. With the Please connect with Minnesota State College Southeast to expansion of many of the regional clinics and hospitals and learn about the many career opportunities that are available in Rochester’s Destination Medical Center initiative, the need the region and our certificate, diploma, and degree options. We for skilled workers is increasing. Many of these jobs require are here to help you reach your goals! Josiah Litant In brief... Josiah Litant named Dean of Students Dean of Students [email protected] Newly published: Lead Like a Nurse MSC Southeast is delighted to welcome Josiah Litant to the staff as the college’s new Maryellen Kanz As the Interim Vice President of Aca- Dean of Students. With more than 15 years Director of Human Resources demic Affairs and Student Services and of leadership experience creating change in [email protected] the Dean of Health Sciences, Jennifer education and nonprofit environments, he has Eccles wears many hats at MSC South- a solid record of building highly successful Rick Nahrgang east. But in between all of those respon- new organizations, programs, and services. Chief Information Officer sibilities, she’s recently been published Josiah earned a Master of Arts in Education from Goddard [email protected] in a book released by the American College in 2008 and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Nurses Association, Lead Like a Nurse: Hampshire College in 2004. Prior to moving to Minnesota to Leadership in Every Healthcare Set- be closer to family, Josiah co-founded LightHouse Holyoke, ting. Her contribution, titled “Influence an independent school for middle and high school students. of Leadership on Patient Outcomes,” Previously, Josiah worked in a variety of roles serving student describes how positive patient outcomes are influenced by the needs at his alma mater in Amherst, Massachusetts. whole system of care, including leadership and the work en- vironment. Jennifer writes, “I feel quite honored to be among ’Tis the season… to be truck driving the group of authors who contributed, which includes many nationally renowned nursing leaders.” Jennifer Olson Grants support college readiness, concurrent Special accolades go out this time of year to Truck Driving Director of Continuing Education and enrollment instructor Tom Gierok for contributing his time and talent Workforce Training to bring holiday gifts to the Winona area and beyond. In [email protected] MSC Southeast recently received a $15,000 grant from the November, an MSC Southeast trailer was parked at Pleasant Minnesota State system to pilot and evaluate programs that Valley Church for Operation Christmas Child. Gifts packed Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Minnesota State enable high school students to meet college readiness require- in shoeboxes were collected there, then trucked to La Crosse College Southeast is an equal opportunity educator and employer. ments before they graduate from high school. In addition, for processing before being distributed around the world. MSC Southeast was one of eight colleges that were awarded Locally, the Truck Driving department helped with pick- ADA Accessible. grant dollars from the Office of Higher Education (OHE). ing up toys collected throughout the Winona area on behalf The grant of $16,200 will be used to expand Concurrent En- of Hiawatha Valley Marines Toys for Tots. The toys were rollment with REACH students at Winona High School, spe- brought to Tandeski Center at MSC Southeast for distribution cifically in Biology. Congratulations to Dean of Academics Jo to families in need. Poncelet and the college’s Liberal Arts & Science faculty for obtaining these significant grants! New Program in Sustainable Food and Farming Agriculture that feeds your pocketbook, your planet, and your soul MSC Southeast is excited and Farming will prepare ing program are infused with marketing, and local practical side as well. “Stu- said Jo Poncelet, Dean of to launch a new degree students to enter the evolving the values of sustainability products. dents will learn the safe and Academics. “This is a unique program! The two-year and growing field of specialty where economic prosperity, effective use of a variety of program teaching practical, Associate of Applied Sci- agriculture, particularly those social responsibility, and Biology instructor Liz agricultural equipment and hands-on skills and business ence in Sustainable Food students interested in small- environmental stewardship Micheel has worked very will develop a sound busi- know-how.” are valued equally. Graduates hard over the last two years ness plan for a family farm scale, diversified will be prepared to meet the to develop the program. “It’s or small-scale agricultural Students can enroll in the production. needs of the recent cultural designed to teach students operation.” program beginning in Spring shift toward whole foods, how to implement integrated Semester, 2019. For more All aspects of natural and organic agricul- farming practices that “Instructors from many dif- information, contact Admis- the Sustainable tural products, farm-to-table promote healthy soil, ferent areas of the college sions Representative Chris Food and Farm- ecologically sound nutrient will be involved – biology, Cook, at 507-453-2410 management, and sustain- business, truck driving, (Christopher.Cook@south- MSC Southeast Biology Instructor Liz Micheel ability,” she said, adding construction technology, eastmn.edu). has been an integral part of developing the that the program has a very electronics – even welding!” Sustainable Food and Farming program

Campus Connect Page 3 Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast MSC Southeast named #20 New Bicycle Design and Fabrication program in in national list of Red Wing is catching on worldwide Most Affordable Online Associate Degrees Since Minnesota State Col- lege Southeast announced Why take college classes its new associate of applied online? Even if you live science degree in Bicycle close to a Minnesota State Design and Fabrication this College Southeast campus, fall, word has been spreading online classes are like wildfire. convenient and fit in with your busy “We’ve had calls from the schedule. Plus, taking national press about it — college coursework online is an articles have been published affordable option. You can live at home while you attend, all over the world,” said MSC and you don’t have the expense of commuting to college. Southeast Communications Director Katryn Conlin. But how affordable? SR Education Group, a leading “Once a story runs online, education research publisher founded in 2004, has just un- it goes viral and gets picked veiled their 2019 rankings on GuidetoOnlineSchools.com. up by more and more news Ranked at #20, Minnesota State College Southeast made outlets, social media, and their list of the top 25 Most Affordable Online Associate blogs. The interest has been Degrees. incredible!” “Every year, we manually research the tuition rates of That’s probably because the The Bicycle Design and fabrication program offered in Red Wing is the first of its kind. every accredited college offering fully online degrees in 2-year degree is the first of its and has received interest world wide. Photo Credit: Red Wing Bicycle Co. & Outfitter order to determine and rank the most affordable options,” kind to teach applied engi- according to Nicole Hopler, SR Education Group. “The neering through the medium and I’ve got friends who are graduates. “Between Madi- careers,” he said. “I’m super 2019 Most Affordable Online Colleges rankings represent of bikes. Travis Thul, Dean online schools across the nation that are committed to pro- of Trade and Technology, engineers that have spent son, Wisconsin, and Min- stoked to get the first ap- viding affordable, economical options for students.” had been trying to figure out a way to interest the next more money on bicycles than neapolis, I think there’s $2 plicants for openings at QBP Online Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Associate generation of students in of Science (AS) degrees are available at MSC Southeast manufacturing. But it’s tough probably on their home or billion if not more in industry from your program!” in several programs areas: Accounting, Administrative to get high school students Assistant, CAD Drafting, Cyber Security, Early Childhood, excited about making nuts their car. It’s clear there’s an that’s bicycle centric,” Thul “Developing design and Medical Administrative Assistant, IT Support, and and bolts. So he proposed a Software and Web Development. new approach: The nation’s emotional attachment to the told the Minneapolis Star- fabrication skills through first two-year program in bi- “At Minnesota State College Southeast, we truly value cycle design and fabrication. bicycle.” Tribune, citing Trek Bicycle, a medium like the bicycle keeping education affordable while maintaining our high standards,” said Larry Lundblad, MSC Southeast Interim He told the Red Wing HED Cycling Products, is such a cool idea! You’ll President. “We are proud to have distance learning students Republican-Eagle that he was from the Southeast region, all across America, and indeed, inspired by the success of the Travis considers bicycle Park Tool, Quality Bicycle never look at a bike the same from around the world.” college’s musical instrument repair programs, which have manufacturing to be a perfect Products and Erik’s Bike way again once you know BNeucormsee a wait lists. He was looking for an idea that had “tangible, example of fine engineering Shops as examples. “And that how it’s made,” said Greg Start here! emotional appeal while also encompassing the core com- skills. In addition to welding doesn’t count all of the small Alexander, Director of Practical Nurse petencies of mass manufac- Diploma turing. We got to thinking, and machining, those skills employers that are building Composite Engineering at and the bicycle is this unique concept that holds people’s include metallurgy, working custom bike frames.” HED Cycling. heartstrings.” with composites, mechanical And just as musicians are passionate about the instru- design, CAD drafting, rapid Luke Strauss, QBP’s engi- The college has heard from ments they repair and build, Travis expects the same level prototyping, and neering manager, said that prospective students from as of intensity when it comes to bikes. “I’m an engineer, thermodynamics. having a degree in this area far afield as Singapore, Hong would be a benefit to poten- Kong, and Columbia. Stu- Bicycling.com reported that tial employees at his com- dents can start with general every cyclist should know pany or in the bike industry education classes this Spring some basic bike repairs they generally. “As we continue semester. The Bicycle Labs can do at home, but “Even to build and grow our design on the Red Wing campus the most passionate gear- and prototyping capabili- will open in Fall 2019, with heads don’t often get the ties, it will be great to have a the first cohort of graduates chance to parlay their skills growing pool of students to expected in May of 2021. into a full-time career… [this hire from for internships and will be] a place where aspir- . ing mechanics and engineers can learn to work with bikes To learn more about the program, go to southeastmn.edu/bike. all day, every day.” To apply, go to southeastmn.edu/apply. For more information,contact Laura Thomas, The new bike program will Admissions Representative/Recruiter at 651-385-6330 have a ready market for or [email protected]. APPLY TODAY Musicians from China perform in The Practical Nursing program at Red Wing, tour MSC Southeast offers an affordable, college music labs accredited program in the high demand field of nursing! Manhu, a traditional acoustic group from the Stone Forest region of China, Classes start January 14! came to the Red Wing campus for a concert/lecture-demonstration in southeastmn.edu/apply October. They sang, danced, and played instruments and songs that are well known in their homeland but rarely seen on an international stage. After the concert, they toured the musical instrument repair program labs. Thanks to Arts Midwest and Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts for bringing them to the college campus. Minnesota State Chancellor visits MSC Southeast twice this fall It’s rare to see Minnesota State Chancellor Devinder Malhotra Travis Thul talked with the Board of Trustees about new on campus – after all, he is charged with the oversight of 30 developments in programing, including Bicycle Design and colleges and seven universities, totaling 54 campuses scat- Fabrication, Mechatronics, and Robotics. tered all across the state. But MSC Southeast was honored to welcome Chancellor Malhotra twice this fall! Then on November 27, the Chancellor returned to MSC Southeast in Red Wing for a listening tour focusing on work- On October 17, the Chancellor and the Minnesota State Board force development. Business leaders expressed their need for of Trustees visited the Winona campus. They met with college employees who are trained and ready to work; several noted students at a reception in Tandeski Center and via Skype from that they have openings they cannot fill. Participants shared the Red Wing campus, then toured the Auto Body Collision plans in place to connect high school students with employ- Technology program with instructor Tom Brandt. Business ment through partnerships with the college. An example is leader Jerry Pappenfuss and Dean of Trade and Technology Learn and Earn, a partnership with Red Wing Ignite, seven area high schools, and MSC Auto Body Collision Tech instructor Tom Brandt and Southeast that connects high Chancellor Malhotra. The Board of Trustees and the school students with training Chancellor took a walk-through tour of the Auto Body at the college and employ- lab in October. ment in advanced manufac- turing. The Minnesota State College Southeast Red Wing campus hosted a roundtable Chancellor Malhotra con- of getting to students early, providing them with information discussion on Workforce Development with Red Wing business leaders. cluded, “It’s very clear to me about their options, partnerships between the college and K12 how special the community education, and partnerships the between college and business/ is here. Several themes have industry. This listening session has been very, very helpful emerged: The importance and will inform our work as I go forward.”

Campus Connect Page 4 Your news source for Minnesota State College Southeast At $80.3 million per year, MSC Southeast contributes to region’s economy When it comes to making an impact, Minnesota State support the college. The study also measured the “We contribute to the economy with every graduating College Southeast doesn’t just offer a better quality of life effect of student spending and the induced effect of class,” Larry Lundblad concluded. “We are proud that our to its students and graduates. A study released in November increased household income. alumni help meet the workforce needs of the Southeast estimates the annual contribution of Minnesota State College region, benefitting themselves, their families, and the entire Southeast to the state and regional economy to be $80.3 According to the study, a key result of this community.” million. It’s also estimated that the college supports and activity is that Minnesota State College Southeast sustains almost 700 jobs! supports and sustains 694 jobs, including 183 in direct employment by the college. Another “Our top priority is the success of our students, but it’s 434 indirect and jobs are created by supply and important to note that the college also plays a vital role in equipment vendors; contractors and laborers for in the economy as a whole,” said Larry Lundblad, Interim the construction and renovation of facilities; and President, MSC Southeast. “The college’s operations and employment in hotels, restaurants, and retail stores the economic activity generated by our faculty, staff, and supporting the college’s faculty, staff, students, and students touch virtually every corner of our regional economy visitors. including education, hospitality, childcare, and retail.” In addition, the study concluded that Minnesota The study was commissioned by Minnesota State and State College Southeast generates about $4.7 was conducted by Parker Philips, a nationally recognized million in sales, property, personal income, and consulting firm specializing in economic impact analysis. corporate income taxes. The study reflects information from fiscal year 2017. Almost 20,000 alumni live and work in Minnesota. In the analysis, the study considered direct spending on Assuming that a career lasts 40 years, MSC Southeast alumni operations, pay, benefits, and capital projects by Minnesota currently living in the state will have contributed nearly $4.0 State College Southeast and the estimated increase in demand billion over the span of their careers! for goods and services in industry sectors that supply or Employers in the Med Lab Technician field seek MSC Southeast graduates to fill positions Med Lab Tech continued from Page 1 in different departments. Besides running tests, she is involved in health care, they think of nursing,” she said. “They don’t in troubleshooting the analyzer equipment, quality control, and always realize there are a lot of other possibilities.” managing the hospital blood bank. “The great thing about lab work is that it’s very hands-on Now a member of the college’s Med Lab Tech Advisory Com- — you’re using your mind but you’re working with your mittee, Karissa has the opportunity to give back to the college. hands and there’s always something new to learn,” said Carol Advisory committees give a college program feedback on how Cantlon. its coursework and structure is meeting employer needs. “As a student, I understood how my training worked, but now that The Med Lab Tech program is considered academically chal- I have on-the-job experience, I know what worked and what Medical Support Careers instructor Patty Watson and lenging. Karissa described the coursework was “tough, but not would be helpful for future students,” she explained. Admissions Representative/Recruiter Laura Thomas impossible!” Carol remembered Karissa as a hard-working, College faculty share expertise in high focused student who was very interested in the field, very de- The MSC Southeast Medical Laboratory Technician pass rates school classrooms tailed-oriented, and studied hard. for the national boards are 95% over the last three years and It’s not always easy for high schools to bring their students to Minnesota State College Southeast. Biology instructor Liz 100% of grads looking for employment find work as Med Lab Micheel had an idea this fall. “Why don’t we go to them?” “To do this program, you’ve got to balance your personal life Techs. With the encouragement of staff and faculty from departments all across the college, the High School Speaker Series was de- with your college life, because it really is a challenge and veloped. Now MSC instructors are available to come directly into high schools and teach a class on a variety of subjects. school has to be a priority,” Carol said. “I would highly recommend working in health care!” Karissa Medical Support Careers instructors Becky Korder and Patty exclaimed. “It’s always going to be advancing and that makes Watson spoke to a Senior Prep class at Wabasha-Kellogg High School recently. Their topic was “The Importance of Profes- Saint Elizabeth’s has a relatively small department with only more room for more jobs. Plus, the older generation is retiring sional Skills and Communication.” seven Med Lab Techs and three phlebotomists. The lab is and that’s making room for a lot of new graduates.” bright and clean, with high windows shedding plenty of natu- ral light into the well-organized space. The hospital’s connec- “We get a lot of emails from potential employers asking if we tion with Minnesota State College Southeast is strong. Besides have anyone graduating that they can hire,” said Carol. “Once Karissa, there are two other MSC Southeast grads working you have an associate degree, the opportunities for advance- there and a current student doing clinicals. ment in this field are great. You can go on to a bachelor’s de- gree, a master’s degree, or even a Ph.D. The associate degree Karissa says working in a smaller lab is helpful, because she can be just the beginning of a life-long career.” can keep up all of the skills she learned in college by working GENERAL Becky Korder started with an icebreaker they use to get stu- EDUCATION dents thinking. “We ask them: If you were a cartoon character, who would you be? What qualities about that character repre- at MSC Southeast sent you? You have to know yourself and your style before you can communicate well with others.” “We shared tips on interviewing for a job, resolving conflict in the workplace, and having empathy and respect for all groups,” said Patty Watson. “It was a highly interactive session. We had a great group of kids!” An outstanding group of MSC Southeast faculty have volun- From the arts to sciences, from math to humanities, teered to speak in classrooms. Among the topics are “Beyond discover our wide range of course offerings Kicking the Tires,” “Budgeting: The Secret to Staying Out of Your Parents’ Basement,” and “Stress from a Psychological • Perspective.” Same rigor as a four year college in a smaller environment and at a The presentations are intentionally designed to be of general fraction of the cost! Online or on campus, MSC Southeast welcomes you to interest to high school students and their teachers. “It’s not take college-level classes in: about promoting our college program, it’s about sharing our expertise with the students,” said Becky Korder. • Speech • Sociology • Minnesota History • US History Admissions Advisor Laura Thomas said “It’s been remarkable • Intro to Music • Moral Problems • Pre-calculus to see the enthusiasm faculty have shown. The high school stu- • College Algebra dents enjoy seeing them as well, getting a chance to talk with • Nutrition • Anatomy and Physiology • Psychology them before they would see them in classes.” • Chemistry • Creative Writing “Having that connection to a college instructor makes going to college less scary. They know they have someone they can MSC Southeast TRANSFER University talk to at MSC Southeast,” said Patty Watson. “The students Gen Ed credits enjoyed it, had fun, and so did we!” WNB FMORE THAINNAANBCANIAKL www.WNBFinancial.com • 507-454-8800 Apply today to start January 14! www.southeastmn.edu