Message from the President

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Hello. I’m Dr. Gayle Hytrek, President of Moraine Park Technical College. Thank you for your interest in Moraine Park Technical College by reviewing our 2006-2007 Annual Report. The theme of this year’s report focuses on our changing communities and the impact of Moraine Park in meeting our communities’ needs.

We are proud of our collaboration with the businesses in our district. This past year we were fortunate to receive Workforce Advancement Training Grants as well as Department of Workforce Development training grants to support area businesses with their employees’ educational needs. Our businesses tell us that the training they received through these grant dollars has resulted in increased productivity with a more engaged and knowledgeable team.

You can hear about the power of education from a student who participated in a training “bootcamp” designed to assist workers who lost their jobs or who were upgrading their skills for a better paying job. This fast track training was a win-win situation for both the participants who wanted to get back into gainful employment and the businesses who needed a skilled labor force quickly.

Preparing a skilled workforce is Moraine Park’s mission. But, all learners have different needs. As a student-centered technical college we ensure our students the best opportunity for success through our English Language Learning classes, career centers and student success centers—all providing services to meet their needs. The expansion of these services is being made possible through a Federal Title III grant which we received in the fall of 2006.

As usual for Moraine Park Technical College, our career programs are initiated through an extensive examination of our district workforce needs. Our new Veterinary Technician and Business Management programs were implemented based on employer needs. I’m happy to report these programs opened last fall with full enrollment. Hear from one of the clinical site veterinarians on the future for graduates of this program.

I hope you enjoy learning more about your local technical college and how we have responded to our district’s changing community needs. Our motto, Moraine Park—Let It Work for You, continues to be our pledge to our students, the students we serve and you.