Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director gets back to business

For the past six months, the Office of the President at Pine Technical College "borrowed" Becky Schueller, Executive Director of the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce, to serve as Interim Assistant to the President. The Office of the President had been conducting a search to fill the permanent position of Executive Assistant to the President, and during the transition, Schueller continued to serve in her usual role with the Chamber of Commerce in addition to filling in with the Office of the President from Jan. 5 through July 10, 2009.

"The Chamber and the College always have had a great relationship, and I was happy to work with Dr. Musgrove," Schueller said. "Dr. Musgrove and the College are actively involved with the Chamber and in a number of alliances serving the manufacturing, health care and economic development needs for this region, so it just made sense that I pitch in and help," Schueller added.

Since the President's office hired Alison Holland as its permanent Executive Assistant to the President in July, Schueller is now getting back to business in her usual role as Executive Director of the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce -- a position she held since April, 2006.

"Becky was such an asset to this office during her six months with us," President Robert Musgrove said. "I've always enjoyed collaborating on community projects with her, and it was a pleasure to have her direct assistance during our transition," Musgrove added.

Currently, Schueller has her hands full with coordinating the Chamber's participation in the Pine County Fair and parade. Additionally, Schueller works with the Downtown Leadership Group, Pine City Horizons Team and serves on several committees and boards including the Minnesota Design Team Visit Steering Committee, the Pine City Heritage Players Board and the Pine City Center for the Arts Board.

The Pine Technical College community thanks Schueller for her assistance and work during the past six months, and the College also looks forward to continuing a mutually beneficial relationship with the Pine City Area Chamber of Commerce.

PTC welcomes Marlene Mixa

PTC welcomes Marlene Mixa, Outreach Coordinator for the Community Based Jobs Training (CBJT) grant project. Mixa began work at PTC on July 6, and in her role, she works to facilitate interactions among academic staff, industry stakeholders, community partners and new and prospective students serviced by the grant. The grant is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor and targets education and training for careers in advanced manufacturing.

"I’m very excited about the CBJT grant and what it means to both Pine Technical College and the community," Mixa said. "I’ve already had a chance to meet some of our local industry partners, and I’m really looking forward to introducing students to career opportunities in advanced manufacturing through new and existing PTC programs," Mixa added.

Mixa holds a BA in chemistry from Carleton College in Northfield and a PhD in inorganic chemistry from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Mixa comes to PTC with more than 20 years of industry experience in research and product development for paper companies in Maryland, Kentucky and Minnesota. Mixa also has been involved in academia throughout her career and has served as a college instructor, a member and chair of various education advisory boards, an academic team coach and a student recruiter and mentor. Most recently, Mixa worked as a consultant for the colleges of the Northeast Higher Education District (NHED) to develop curriculum for industry-based technical programs and degrees and for customized training modules in areas of emerging technologies.

Pine Technical College Foundation awards $26,400 in scholarships

Concluding its Ninth Annual Bridging the Dream Scholarship Campaign, the Pine Technical College Foundation awarded a total of $26,400 to 32 deserving students.

Thanks to the donations of more than 60 individual and business donations, 24 full-time students received $1,000 and eight part-time students were awarded $300 scholarships. Recipients include students studying nursing, early childhood education, computer science, CNC operations, gunsmithing, public welfare financial work, accounting and health sciences at Pine Technical College. These students are from 22 area communities including Braham, Hinckley, North Branch, Pine City, Sandstone, Siren and St. Croix Falls.

The generosity of the Foundation’s donors will benefit several of the area’s dislocated workers seeking to gain new marketable skills to re-enter the workforce.

The Foundation asks you to consider joining its family of valued donors, including 27 of the College's own staff and faculty, in making dreams come true... one scholarship at a time.

Donation forms are available by contacting Alison Holland in the President's Office. (Call: 320-629-5140 or e-mail: hollanda@pinetech.edu.)

For a list of scholarship winners, click here.

Enrollment at Pine Technical College is on the rise

Pine Technical College is experiencing growth like no other year in the College’s history. Typical enrollment for a summer semester at PTC tops out at 200 students, and with 242 students enrolled this summer semester, the College experienced a dramatic increase of 21 percent. On top of the impressive leap in summer enrollment, PTC admissions staff is busy advising, admitting, testing, orienting and registering students for the fall 2009 semester at a near record-breaking pace.

"Enrollment has been increasing each year, but our most recent enrollment report shows a significant leap in numbers," Dean of Student Affairs Nancy Mach said. "The numbers are staggeringly good for the College, and we anticipate enrolling our largest class ever this fall semester," Mach added.

Growth may be due to current economic conditions since many new students indicated they have been laid off. Each semester, the College’s student body is comprised of a diverse mix of students from all walks of life, and since the onset of the recession, College administrators have noticed an increase in the amount of students who are "mid-career" looking at options to further their education, specialize or learn a new trade.

"The average age of a PTC student is 28," Director of Marketing and Admissions Dani Chandonnet said. "We admit younger students right out of high school, and we also admit many students who are mid-career looking to come back to school to learn additional skills or change careers completely," Chandonnet added.

College administrators have been responding to the increased demand in many ways; for example, new sections of popular classes are available, additional New Student Orientation sessions have been added to the calendar, more part-time and adjunct instructors have been hired and the position of Director of Financial Aid, formerly a .75 hour position, has become a full-time position.

"We are responding to the community’s demand," President Robert Musgrove said. "Unfortunately, many people in our community have time on their hands due to layoffs. But, they are using that time very wisely by going back to school so they will have the upper hand when the economy turns around," Musgrove added.

Classes for the fall, 2009 semester start Aug. 24, and the College is accepting applications through mid-August. Students applying should plan ahead to ensure all application materials including other college transcripts, financial aid paperwork and applicable test scores are on file and complete prior to the start of classes.

Attend "Financial Aid Info Night," July 27

Are you a PTC student with questions about Financial Aid?

Attend Financial Aid Info Night, and get help filling out your free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). PTC’s friendly and helpful staff will be on hand to answer questions and offer insight regarding the financial aid process.

Students and parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Bring your FAFSA, bring your tax information (from last year), and let’s get down to business.

What: Financial Aid Info Night
Where: PTC Library
When: Mon. July 27, 6 p.m.
Who: All students planning to attend PTC in Fall, 2009 are invited.

Welcome, Shawn Reynolds, new PTC Financial Aid Director

Pine Technical College welcomes new Director of Financial Aid, Shawn Reynolds. Reynolds brings expertise in higher education, financial aid, finance and business administration and management.

"I am very excited to transition to Pine Technical College," Reynolds said. "I believe education is important, and I enjoy helping students attain resources to further their educational goals," Reynolds added.

Reynolds graduated from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, with a BBA (bachelor's of business administration) with an emphasis in human resources management and organizational management. Reynolds began his career in higher education with St. Olaf College as Student Accounts Manager. After serving in this role for more than four years, Reynolds transitioned to Anoka Technical College where he served as Financial Aid Officer for two and and a half years.

"We are delighted to have Shawn Reynolds on staff," said Nancy Mach, Dean of Student Affairs. "The entire Student Affairs team welcomes him," Mach added.

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PTC welcomes Alison Holland to the president's office

Pine Technical College welcomes Alison Holland, Executive Assistant to President Robert Musgrove. Holland will begin work at PTC on Monday, July 6. This East Central Minnesota native most recently served as an administrative assistant at Mora High School. Prior to shifting her career into education, Holland cultivated her skills at The Rake Magazine, The Sportsman’s Guide, and Dance USA.

"I and the members of the hiring committee were very impressed with Holland's set of skills, attitude and qualifications," Musgrove said. "I look forward to introducing her to the rest our PTC family next week," Musgrove added.

Holland is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College and holds a bachelor’s degree in English and Dance. She is set to complete her M.A.L.S., Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, from Hamline University later this year. Holland said she is eager to utilize her talents in communication, records management, special event coordination and organizational administration at Pine Technical College.

"I’m proud to bring my experience and education to the 'team' at Pine Technical College," Holland said. "I look forward to assisting President Musgrove and making a positive impact on this important institution in our community," Holland added.