Minnesota State College Southeast waives application fees during October for Minnesota State Month

October is Minnesota State Month, and the 26 colleges and seven universities of Minnesota State are all offering many ways for students to save on higher education. This makes October a great time for students to visit campuses and apply for admission.

During October, Minnesota State College Southeast is waiving undergraduate application fees - applying for free is a great way to take your first steps towards a brighter future!

"We are excited about Minnesota State Month -- it's a great time to explore your educational options at Southeast," said Tammy Vondrasek, Director of Admissions and Enrollment. "We encourage you to visit campus, and it's easy to schedule an appointment online at southeastmn.one/visit or by calling 507-453-2700."

Minnesota State colleges and universities also allow students to take advantage of significant savings on tuition and fees. Already the lowest in the state, undergraduate tuition has been frozen at 2022 levels until Spring 2025.

In addition, students from families with an Adjusted Gross Income of less than $80,000 may qualify for the North Star Promise, a program that provides free tuition for eligible students.

Minnesota State College Southeast students in high demand career areas including early childhood education, construction, advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, and transportation may also qualify for $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships.

"The colleges and universities of Minnesota State are always the most affordable, most accessible higher education options in Minnesota," said Scott Olson, chancellor of Minnesota State. "Minnesota State Month is an opportunity for students to take the first steps towards an extraordinary education that is affordable."

More information on Minnesota State Month is available at minnstate.edu. Sign up for an appointment to visit Minnesota State College Southeast in person or online at southeastmn.one/visit.

COVID-19 Guidance

Student and employee safety is our top priority. The college continues to follow CDC and Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. We are prepared to adapt our plans if the situation changes. 

Campus Expectations

• Masking at MSC Southeast facilities not mandatory.  
• Stay on track - get vaxxed! You are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated and get your booster shot as soon as you are eligible. 
• If you test positive, stay home and notify your instructors. 
• You can go back to your normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
  -Your symptoms are getting better overall, and
  -You have not had a fever (and are not using fever-reducing medication).
• When you go back to your normal activities, take added precaution over the next 5 days, such as taking additional steps for cleaner air, hygiene, masks, physical distancing, and/or testing when you will be around other people indoors.
  

Resources for Current Guidance

• Minnesota Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control Guidance and Information

Minnesota State College Southeast holding open forums for Vice President of Student Success candidates

On August 22, 23, and 27,  Minnesota State College Southeast will host open forums to gain input on the college's three finalists for the position of Vice President of Student Success.

Public open forums will take place online via Zoom and community members are invited to participate. For access to the Zoom links and passcodes, please email Alecia Spagnoletti at [email protected].

"By working collaboratively with our dedicated and accomplished faculty and staff, the Vice President of Student Success will foster continued programmatic innovation and create new opportunities for our students," said Dr. Marsha Danielson, president of Minnesota State College Southeast. "We hope to get as much feedback on our finalists as possible from the general public in addition to our college community."

Finalist names and public open forum dates and times are listed below:

Finalist: Amy Maxeiner
Thursday, August 22, 10:30 am-11:15 am

Finalist: Rachel Erkkila
Friday, August 23, 10:30 am-11:15 am

Finalist: Kristy Lisle
Tuesday, August 27, 2:45pm-3:30pm

Biographies of the candidates are available at www.southeastmn.one/openforums.

FAFSA Completion Event

Thursday, August 1, 2024, 3-6 pm
Minnesota State College Southeast, Winona Campus
1250 Homer Road, Winona
Academic Support Center, enter in door H or J

Do you need help filling out the FAFSA? Having trouble navigating the new form?

At our FAFSA Completion Event, work 1:1 with an advisor from College Possible to complete your FAFSA and finalize your financial aid package for 2024-2025.

This event is open to any college or university student in the Winona area. PLUS:

• $25 gift cards given to students who complete their FAFSA that night!
• Free sandwiches, chips, and beverages for the first 50 people!

Please note: Your FSA username and password must be created 3 days prior to the event at FAFSA.gov.

An RSVP is encouraged but not required.

RSVP in advance

Questions? Contact Tracy Rahim at: [email protected]

Minnesota State Week: June 24-28, 2024

The 26 colleges and seven universities of Minnesota State are celebrating Minnesota State Week, set for June 24 to 28, by waiving application fees. 

At Southeast, the application fee will be waived for prospective students who visit campus in person.

"Minnesota State Week is one of several opportunities students can take advantage of to save on their college or university experience," said Scott Olson, Chancellor of Minnesota State. "With exciting new opportunities for students to save, there has never been a better time for students to take their first steps towards a brighter future."

North Star Promise: In addition to free application for admission, other opportunities for students to save include the North Star Promise Scholarship program that offers qualified students free tuition and required fees for all Minnesota students with a family adjusted gross income under $80,000.

Workforce Development Scholarships: In addition, hundreds of $2,500 Workforce Development Scholarships are available to eligible students enrolled in any of several high demand programs including healthcare services, information technology, education, and advanced manufacturing.

Tuition is Frozen: Students can also take advantage of undergraduate tuition rates that are the lowest in the state and are frozen at 2022 - 2023 rates for the 2024 - 2025 academic year.

Learn more about visiting Southeast!

Announcing the Spring 2024 President's List

We are proud to announce the President's List for Spring Semester 2024.

It is posted on our website at: southeastmn.one/presidentslist

A total of 260 students were named to the Spring 2024 President's List. To be eligible for the President's List, students must complete a minimum of 12 letter-graded credits during an academic term and achieve a GPA of 3.5 or above.

Students come from across the country to study at Minnesota State College Southeast. While most of the students on the President's List are from Minnesota (205) and Wisconsin (34), students from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia are also represented, as well as one foreign country, Australia.

Congratulations to all those making this achievement!

Southeast students will celebrate commencement on Friday, May 10

Minnesota State College Southeast Commencement Ceremony
Friday, May 10, 2024 at 3 pm
Memorial Hall, Winona State University

WSU Campus Map (PDF)

Graduation is an exciting time for students, family, friends, faculty, and staff. The Commencement Ceremony is a celebration of our graduates. There is one ceremony for Fall '23 and Spring '24 graduates, which is scheduled for Friday, May 10, 2024 at 3 pm at Memorial Hall, Winona State University.

If you can't attend in person, we will be broadcasting the event live on YouTube or you can watch locally on HBC Cable TV. 

Watch Ceremony on YouTube

 

The processional will be led by Outstanding Educator of the Year, Biology instructor Elizabeth Micheel, who is serving as our commencement marshal. Our student speaker is Band Instrument Repair honors graduate Ian Clarr, from Warsaw, Indiana. Music will be provided by Top Brass Quintet and the Johnson Street Underground, Winona's premier a cappella quartet.

The Outstanding Alumni Awards for 2024 will be announced at Commencement. The Red Wing campus award winner is Margaret Lampman (Criminal Justice, 2013, a human resources professional employed by Gemini, Inc. in Cannon Falls. The college will also honor Winona campus award winner Maureen Holte (Accounting, 1989) who serves as Winona County Administrator, the county’s top leadership position. 

Family and family are invited to join us for this momentous occasion. Because of the length of the ceremony, we suggest bringing children who are able to sit for a period of approximately two hours.

May 9 Student Guitar Show showcases string instruments built by students at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing

STUDENT GUITAR SHOW

Minnesota State College Southeast, Red Wing Campus
Thursday, May 9, 2024, 1 to 3 pm
308 Pioneer Road, Red Wing, MN
Free and open to the public

Download a poster (PDF)

The annual Student Guitar Show on May 9 at Minnesota State College Southeast in Red Wing will debut musical instruments hand-made by the college's first- and second-year guitar students. 

An array of extraordinary flattop acoustic guitars, archtop guitars, electric guitars, and mandolins will be on display. 

The Student Guitar Show takes place at Minnesota State College Southeast (308 Pioneer Road, Red Wing, MN) on Thursday, May 9, 2024 from 1 to 3 pm. 

The Student Guitar Show is an exhilarating experience for anyone who loves custom made musical instruments, but most of all, it will be a thrill for the students who will hear the acoustic instruments they built played on stage by professional musicians Mike Cramer, Phil Heywood, and Chris Silver.

In addition to the guitars, several students in the college's Violin Making program will display instruments they made this year. 

Admission to the Student Guitar Show is free and open to the public - please join us! 

About the Performers

Mike Cramer

Guitarist Mike Cramer is a music major from the University of Northern Iowa. His award-winning flatpicking technique earned him championship titles in the Minnesota State Fair Flatpicking Competition and Wisconsin's Upper-Midwest Flatpicking Contest. A fluid and powerful guitarist, Mike is as comfortable playing jazz standards as he is playing Bill Monroe's bluegrass instrumentals. He plays guitar in The Barley Jacks.

Phil Heywood

Fingerstyle guitarist Phil Heywood has been based in Minneapolis-St. Paul since the mid-1980s, performing locally and regionally while also establishing himself in the greater guitar and acoustic music world. In 1986 he won the National Fingerpicking Championship, and followed up in 1987 by winning the American Fingerstyle Guitar Festival Competition. He plays with a bluesy swing and tone, lyricism, and groove.

Chris Silver

As roots music renaissance performer and multi-instrumentalist, Chris Silver has made a name for himself as a songwriter and is known throughout the U.S. for his virtuosity on guitar, mandolin, and fiddle.  His music is soulful and innovative and takes the listener to a musical space where Americana roots music is fused with jazz, blues, folk and country with the sensibility of a contemporary singer/songwriter. He performs frequently as a solo artist and with his band, The Chris Silver Band.  

More about the Guitar Repair and Building program

More about the Violin Repair and Making program

Minnesota State College Southeast unveils new logo, branding and identity at celebration events in Red Wing and Winona

In April 2022, officials at Minnesota State College Southeast were thrilled when the Lumina Foundation announced the top 10 finalists in the Million Dollar Community College Challenge.

Hundreds of colleges across the nation had applied for the challenge. As a finalist, Southeast was awarded $100,000 to support brand building and strategic marketing efforts.  

On March 21, the results of almost two years of intensive effort were presented for the first time, as Minnesota State College Southeast announced its new core messaging and revealed its new logo.

The process involved surveys, focus groups, and interviews with more than 300 people in the college and in the wider community, designed to identify brand challenges and reveal the qualities that set Southeast apart from other higher education institutions in the region.

"This work has helped us understand that Minnesota State College Southeast has a simple, clear, and focused purpose, to help anyone who wants to take their next step forward in life by nurturing student success," said President Marsha Danielson.

She added, "At Southeast, we believe college is for everyone. We believe in meeting students where they are. And we believe every step toward reaching their educational goals should be simple and achievable."

The college worked closely with Object, a Twin Cities design firm, on designing the graphics and crafting the brand refresh, which includes new messaging, signature typefaces, and standardized colors in a range of greens.

Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Jennifer Hawkins was excited to unveil the college's new symbol and logo, the SE monogram and the name of the college, Minnesota State College Southeast, in bold green lettering.

"In the coming months, you'll see our new logo in our website, social media, advertising, and across all communications," she said, adding, "We will also be updating exterior signage and graphics throughout our Red Wing and Winona campuses."

She noted that, "Our brand is much more than just a logo. What we say and what we do contributes to how students, parents, partners, and communities perceive the college. We are all ambassadors for Southeast."

In addition to providing financial support, Lumina Foundation provided extensive staff training opportunities and access to branding and identity consulting services.

"We cannot thank the Lumina Foundation enough for making this extraordinary opportunity possible," said Dr. Danielson. "Strengthening our brand will benefit Minnesota State College Southeast and the community." 

From classical and jazz to rock and bluegrass, Strings, Winds & Brass has it all

Minnesota State College Southeast showcases college talent at Red Wing's Sheldon Theatre on Sunday afternoon, March 24

From classical and jazz to rock and bluegrass, this year's Strings, Winds & Brass concert at the Sheldon Theatre is an opportunity for the students, faculty staff, and friends of Minnesota State College Southeast to share their musical artistry with the Red Wing community. 

Strings, Winds & Brass will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2024 (4:00 pm) at the Sheldon Theatre, 443 West 3rd Street, Red Wing, MN. Tickets are available at www.sheldontheatre.org, by phone at 800-899-5759, and at the door. Adult tickets are $15; student tickets are only $5. All seats are general admission.

Proceeds from Strings, Winds & Brass benefit Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation scholarships for music program students. The event is supported in part by the Red Wing Student Senate.

Minnesota State College Southeast's signature band instrument repair, violin repair & making, and guitar repair & building programs draw students from across the United States, many with advanced music education and performance degrees.

Auditions for Strings, Winds & Brass took place in early February where acts were judged by a panel of local arts and entertainment experts. They selected 13 acts to perform in this year's concert, including students from as far away as California, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New York.

Following an alphorn fanfare, the concert will feature clarinet, cello, and bass clarinet soloists and an array of ensembles, including a flute and violin duet, a trombone quartet, a brass quintet, and a French horn octet.

Expect an exciting range of musical styles all the way from singer-songwriter, bluegrass, and Celtic to classical, jazz, and rock n' roll.

To view photos of the performers, see our Facebook gallery. To order tickets online, go to sheldontheatre.org.

Pictured above: Al Forred, left; Monsters of the Trombone, center; Annalise Smith, right.

Strings, Winds & Brass 2024 Performers

• Greg Beckwith - solo alphorn
• Bradford and the Upbeats - French horn octet
• Grace Horn - guitar and vocals
• Monsters of the Trombone - trombone quartet
• Annalise Smith - cello
• Liam Trawick - bass clarinet
• Mary McElderry & Charlie Hendrickson - flute and violin
• Playing in the Rain - guitar, fiddle, cello and vocals
  
• Intermission
  
• Titebond 5 - rock band
• Peanut Butter Baby - guitar and vocal duet
• Jessica Mendez Robles - solo clarinet
• Al Forred - guitar and vocals
• Food Chain - rock band
• The Swedgers - brass quintet 

 

 Student Music Association SWAP MEET

Saturday, February 17, 9am - 3pm
Red Wing Campus, 308 Pioneer Road
Enter through the Main Doors

The SMA Swap Meet is a place for students to buy, sell, and trade musical instruments and gear plus related tools and supplies. It might be an opportunity to find a diamond in the rough that just needs a little expert work to become something special, or to find materials for building your next project or making your next repair.

The Swap Meet is free and open to the public -- all are welcome!

Nominations open for 2024 Minnesota State College Southeast Outstanding Alumni Awards

DEADLINE: March 1, 2024 - Online nomination form

Every year Minnesota State College Southeast honors outstanding graduates at its commencement ceremonies. Nominations are now open for the 2024 Outstanding Alumni Awards. Two awards are given each year, one for a Winona campus program graduate and one for a Red Wing campus program graduate.

"The Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes the local, regional, and national contributions of our graduates and celebrates their personal and professional accomplishments," said Casie Johnson, Director of Stewardship and Foundation Operations at MSC Southeast. "We also want to honor their contributions to the community." 

This year's Outstanding Alumni Award recipients will be recognized at the college's Commencement Ceremony, which will be held on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Winona State University.

Last year, the college honored Jesse Horn (Winona), a motivational speaker, Team USA Sport Stacking athlete, World Sport Stacking Champion, and published author, and Julie Jurgenson (Red Wing), a Band Instrument Repair program grad who has operated JJ's Horn Clinic in Rochester, MN, for more than 30 years.

Nominations for the 2024 awards will be accepted until March 1, 2024.  Anyone is welcome to make a nomination. To submit a nomination online, go to: www.southeastmn.one/alumniaward 

Requirements for the award include:

1. Must have earned a diploma or degree from Minnesota State College Southeast at least 5 years ago;
2. Professional and/or personal achievements (e.g., career achievements, obstacles overcome, etc.);
3. Service to others (e.g., community service, service clubs, church, volunteerism, etc.);
4. Support to Minnesota State College Southeast (e.g., financial, board representative, advocacy, volunteerism, support/employment of grads, etc.);
5. Able to attend the 2024 commencement ceremony in person (May 10, 2024).

For more information about the Outstanding Alumni Awards or to make a nomination, please contact Casie Johnson at [email protected] or 507-453-2663.

American Legion Post 54 provides ongoing support to MSC Southeast students

On December 11, Lance Garrick, First Vice Commander of Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post 54, presented a generous donation to Minnesota State College Southeast. President Marsha Danielson gratefully accepted the donation on behalf of the college. The contribution will support The Pantry on the Red Wing campus.

Expressing appreciation for the college's proactive approach to addressing student food insecurities, Garrick emphasized the alignment of this initiative with the American Legion's core values, particularly the fourth pillar -- Children and Youth. The American Legion's other pillars of service and advocacy include Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, and Americanism.

Garrick confirmed the Legion's ongoing commitment to providing monthly donations to the Red Wing Campus Food Pantry for the remainder of the academic year.

"We want to be a part of connecting the community to the Legion, and supporting the students at Southeast is a great way to do that," he said. "It's a worthy cause and we hope that there are other organizations in Red Wing that would be interested in doing the same."

"A lot of students aren't comfortable talking about food insecurity," said Grace Horn, Red Wing Student Senate President. "I believe it's really important for us to have the Food Pantry as an opportunity for students to take food when they need it, no questions asked."

"Supporting students in this way is good for everyone, not just for younger students but for students of all ages," said Red Wing Student Senate Vice President Allie Haas. 

Individuals or organizations interested in joining efforts to assist the college in addressing student food insecurities are encouraged to reach out to MSC Southeast Dean of Students Kenney White at 507-453-1422 or [email protected].

Photo caption:  Lance Garrick, First Vice Commander of Leo C. Peterson American Legion Post 54, presented a generous donation to Dr. Marsha Danielson, president of Minnesota State College Southeast. From left: Greg Cady, MSC Southeast instructor and American Legion Member; Kenney White, MSC Southeast Dean of Students; Dr. Marsha Danielson; Lance Garrick; Grace Horn, Student Senate President; and Allie Haas, Student Senate Vice President.

MSC Southeast Is Celebrating Southeast Tutor Appreciation Week

November 13-17, 2023

MSC Southeast is excited to recognize our 20 tutors and the students they help as well as highlight our tutoring services to the campus community. Tutoring is not just for students that may be struggling academically -- tutoring is a free and proven college success tool that all Southeast students should use. 

Since November is a month of giving thanks,  we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all Southeast tutors!

Become a Peer Tutor

Are you interested in a rewarding job that supports our campus and develops professional skills? Join our Peer Tutoring Staff! During Southeast Tutor Week, any student who fills out the Peer Tutor Interest Form is automatically entered for a chance to win a gift card! 

Meet with a Tutor

We encourage you to meet with a tutor today! In honor of Southeast Tutor Appreciation Week, we are featuring an additional gift card give-away. To enter, make an appointment with a tutor November 13-17 through our online scheduling system at: www.southeastmn.one/tutorsignup.

Support our Students - Give to the Max on November 16

Give to the Max Day is just around the corner and it's a perfect opportunity to make an even greater difference and inspire others to do the same.

Give to the Max Day is a 24-hour giving event that brings people together to support the causes they care about most. It's a day when every donation, no matter how big or small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those we serve. This year, it falls on Thursday, November 16.

Minnesota State College Southeast Foundation has set an ambitious fundraising goal of $30,000 to support scholarships, fund emergency support for students, and advance program innovation and excellence. We invite you to help us reach our goal. 

GIVE TO THE MAX!

Here's how you can get involved: 

• Spread the Word: Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and share our cause with your friends, family, and colleagues. Every share counts! 
• Visit our donation page and contribute -- our donation page is live and we welcome early support.  
• Mark your calendar to participate: On Give to the Max Day, visit our donation page and make a gift that aligns with your passion and commitment. 

Every contribution matters, and we are grateful for your trust in our mission. Special incentives to contribute include...

• Every gift counts as an entry for the Foundation to win a $500 Golden Ticket - an additional contribution to our cause from Give to the Max organizers.  
• We also have a $1000 challenge from Dahl Automotive that will be released when we reach 100 donors!
• Any contribution over $100 will receive a 2024 calendar commemorating the college's 50th and 75th campus anniversaries.  

Let's join together to make Give to the Max Day a resounding success. Together, we can reach new heights and positively impact our college community in ways that will resonate for years to come. 

Red Wing will salute veterans and service members Nov. 10

Red Wing High School will host the annual Community Veterans Day Commemoration at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 10.

Red Wing Public Schools coordinates the community observance with Minnesota State College Southeast, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon of Hiawatha Valley and the American Legion.

Guest speakers will include Ariana Garrick, an U.S. Army Iraq War veteran. Music will be provided by the Red Wing High School Concert Band, Ovation, and Prairie Island Drummers and Dancers. A brass quintet from MSC Southeast will perform music for the prelude.

All are welcome to join the community in honoring our veterans and service members. Please enter at the District Office, door No. 36. Veterans and guests will be escorted to seating on the gymnasium floor. There is an elevator available.

There are no classes and the campus is closed on Veterans Day at Minnesota State College Southeast.

Priority registration for continuing students begins on Monday, October 23

CURRENT STUDENTS: Now is your chance to register for the classes you need -- and be entered in a drawing for a $100 gift card!

Priority registration for continuing students lasts for one week before courses are opened to new students to enroll. Contact your advisor as soon as possible, and plan your courses for Spring and Summer 2024.

Many classes fill quickly after Priority Registration ends -- register early to get the classes you need to stay on track.

You'll not only have the peace of mind knowing your schedule is all set for next year... if you register by Friday, October 27, you will be entered to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card!*

See Registration for Current Students for more information.

 

*Chance to win gift card is available for current students (registered in Fall 2023) who are continuing onward in 2024. 

 

Trade, Tech, and Transportation Career Night

Monday, October 16, 2023, 4:30 – 7:30 pm
Minnesota State College Southeast
1250 Homer Road, Winona, MN

Register Now

 

If you enjoy hands-on work and have ever considered a career in a trades, technical, or transportation related field, Minnesota State College Southeast has many opportunities available. 

Learn about the college's career and technical programs at Trade, Tech and Transportation Career Night on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 4:30 to 7:30 pm at 1250 Homer Road in Winona.

Prospective students and their families are invited to attend. Don't worry about missing dinner -- pizza will be served! Advance registration is encouraged at www.southeastmn.one/event. 

Students can discover how to get started in a variety of high-paying, in-demand careers, including Computer Aided Design, CNC Machine Tool, Construction, Electronics, Biomedical Technology, Welding, and Mechatronics. The Transportation Center will be open to showcase Automotive Technology, Auto Body Collision Technology, and Truck Driving.

"Career Night is an incredible opportunity for you and your family to explore all of our programs in one night," said Calvin Clemons, the college's Director of Trade and Technology. "You can tour our state-of-the-art labs and learn all about the programs from our experienced faculty."

There will be opportunities to meet with college instructors, financial aid experts, admissions staff, and industry representatives. Information about taking college credits while in high school will also be available.

Students who register in advance at www.southeastmn.one/event will be entered into a drawing for a $250 scholarship or gift of tools, and those who register for classes at Trade, Tech and Transportation Career Night will be entered to win an additional $250 scholarship. (Must be present to win.)

Employment demand in all of these career areas is very high. "At Career Night, you can talk to industry representatives to hear what it's like actually working in those careers," said Calvin Clemons. "Our Trades, Tech, and Transportation graduates are in high demand and make great wages after just two years of college or less."

 

Goodhue County History Center, MSC Southeast Collaborate on College History Center Exhibit

A Scholarly City - The History of Higher Education in Red Wing

A new history exhibit has been created to tell the story of higher education in Red Wing, MN. The exhibit will be on display at MSC Southeast in the main entry hallway from September 25 until the end of October, along with old college yearbooks, photos, and memorabilia. 

While Minnesota State College Southeast is celebrating its 50th anniversary in the community this fall, the roots of higher ed run much deeper in Red Wing.

Before Minnesota was even a state, Hamline University was founded in Red Wing in 1854. Gustavus Adolphus started in a one-room building in 1862, but soon relocated to St. Peter, MN. 

High atop college hill, the Red Wing Seminary (1879-1932) and Lutheran Ladies Seminary (1894-1920) made Red Wing a destination for students.

Professional education came to the forefront for a time with the opening of Beeman's Business College in 1886 and St. John's Hospital nursing training in 1903.

Finally, in 1973 Minnesota State College Southeast - then called the Red Wing Area Vocational Technical Institute - opened with a dedication ceremony that attracted more than 3000 people. 

Learn all about these happenings and more by visiting the exhibit on campus through the end of Fall Semester or at the Goodhue County Historical Society later this year. 

Vice President of Student Success Open Forums

Download Executive Search Profile (PDF)

Minnesota State College Southeast seeks a visionary, strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader as its Vice President of Student Success (VPSS). As a visible and engaged member of the campus community, the VPSS will partner with the President in advancing the college's mission by providing leadership and strategic direction for the Academic and Student Affairs division. By working collaboratively with, and advocating for, MSC Southeast's dedicated and accomplished faculty and staff, the VPSS will foster continued programmatic innovation and create new opportunities for enrollment growth. The successful candidate will have a passion for equity and inclusion; be a data-informed decision-maker with a tolerance for risk; and will be an exceptional listener who works to understand the pulse of the college and the communities we serve.

Three candidates for this position will visit the college and participate in open forums on September 13 and 14, 2023. You are invited to join us for the open forums on campus in Red Wing or online via Zoom.

• Red Wing Campus Location: 308 Pioneer Road, Red Wing, MN
• For the Zoom links and passwords, please email Alecia Spagnoletti at [email protected]

 

Mark Johnson

Wednesday, September 13, 2023
9:30 am -10:15 am
Red Wing Campus Room 310 or online via Zoom

A first-generation college graduate, Mark Johnson is the Academic Dean at Hennepin Technical College in Brooklyn Park, where, since 2018, he has led the largest academic division, including Liberal Arts and Sciences, developmental education, and eight distinct technical programs.  Last year, from 2022-2023, Mark was appointed to serve as the Interim Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Central Lakes College (CLC) in Brainerd, where he successfully led the college through its Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Comprehensive Evaluation and site visit.  At CLC he also collaborated with Enrollment Services to implement case management advising and made the closing of equity gaps a central focus of CLC's Culture of Caring. From 2010-2018 he held numerous positions at San Jacinto College (SJC) in Houston, Texas, including English Professor, Department Chair, and Dean of Business and Technology.  At SJC, he led the transition of the campus's industrial programs to a state-of-the-art Center for Industrial Technology, which is now the centerpiece of their North Campus. He also led the development and implementation of SJC's Open Educational Resources (OER) Degree program, a collaboration with several other Texas community colleges, which saved SJC students $1.25 million in course material costs during the first three semesters of the program launch.  He holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from William Mitchell College of Law, a Master of Arts (M.A.) from Winona State University, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. He is currently completing his Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) at Winona State University.

 

Jennifer Fager 

Thursday, September 14, 2023
11:00 am - 11:45 am
Red Wing Campus Room 310 or online via Zoom

Dr. Jennifer Fager has over 25 years of experience working with and supporting faculty, students, and staff colleagues.  She served as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at South Central College and as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Mid Michigan College.  She has served higher education in a variety of roles including the Director of University Assessment and Associate Professor of Educational Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; Interim Dean of Occupational Programs at Kirtland Community College; Head of the School of Education and Associate Dean of the College of Social Sciences, Health, and Education at Xavier University; Department Chair at Saginaw Valley State University; Director of Academic Assessment at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas; Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Specialized Accreditation at Central Michigan University; and as a faculty member and teacher where she worked with students to meet their academic and personal goals.  Currently, Dr. Fager is a consultant working with individuals and colleges on several efforts related to assessment.  She has participated in and collaborated with academic and student affairs colleagues on numerous shared-governance committees to address the needs of students and the various institutions she has served.  Dr. Fager served as a Peer Reviewer and Assessment Mentor for the Higher Learning Commission, as a peer reviewer for NCATE/CAEP, and was an elected member of the Eau Claire Area School District School Board.  Dr. Fager earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction, and PhD in Administration, Curriculum, and Instruction and graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska.

 

Todd Ecklund 

Thursday, September 14, 2023
2:30 pm - 3:15 pm
Red Wing Campus Room 310  

Dr. Ecklund has worked for 16 years in higher education, starting as an adjunct instructor and continuing through the ranks as a program chair/full time faculty, dean, and vice president. Prior to starting his career in education, Dr. Ecklund served nine years in the US Army. He has also worked as an office manager and a corporate trainer. Dr. Ecklund is a community college graduate having attended North Hennepin Community College. As a community college graduate, he knows the value of the education that is provided by community colleges. He received a Bachelor of Business and a Master's of Education in human resource development from the University of Minnesota. He also has an MBA from the Minnesota School of Business. He completed an Ed.D. in educational administration with an emphasis in adult and higher education at the University of South Dakota. Dr. Ecklund's philosophy of education is students first. Great educators are able to reach each student by discovering the best ways to motivate and engage them. If educators can meet those individual needs, students will be successful in school, mastering the knowledge they need to have in their chosen field and applying that knowledge in the industry. Dr. Ecklund and his wife Lourdes ("Bing") have four children and three grandchildren. He is an avid bicyclist. They enjoy spending time in the outdoors.