President

Today, we reflect on our past tradition. Our 40th Anniversary is occasion to commemorate our founding in 1965 with a celebratory spirit, to highlight past achievements of faculty and staff and to project ahead, our hopes and aspirations.

Our founders set out in 1965 to create a public educational institution, built on the brainpower and enthusiasm of young faculty and staff from the region. They were ready to build future technical minds as they had built the current regional infrastructure. Their vision and our rising profile were reflected in recent media reviews about the campus such that we are considered a “Hot Technological School”----despite the winters here!

As exciting as this latest exposure may be, it reflects only the tip of the iceberg. Underlying it are major qualitative and quantitative changes that are occurring throughout the college. In short, our commitment to quality continues to grow as evidenced by the achievements of our learners, to the creative productivity of the faculty, to the strength and breadth of our supporting infrastructure–both human and technological. These changes are in addition to the college’s physical transformation, encompassing new and renovated facilities that not only enhance our instruction and outreach capabilities, but also strengthen our sense of community.

It is significant, also, that our enrollments have never been stronger or more diverse, including a very talented first year class, more continuing learners and more successful graduates. Most importantly, we are building a lasting foundation for success in the years ahead. We must continue putting people first, by working to recruit and support learners, faculty and staff with energy, talent and heart.

In short, it is for us to continue the vision of our founders--but with a 21st century spirit--to achieve a vision that makes education available to all that seek to cultivate life and mind. It is no coincidence that situated at the headwaters of the greatest river in the United States, knowledge and influence from faculty, learners and programs at Northwest Technical College flow regionally and nationally to change and shape lives and futures. The spirit and legacy of the original native peoples, as well as those early settlers here, continues at NTC with a respect for tradition and the natural world, while creating new opportunities for each other, for our region, our state and our nation.

I hope you will find the information that you are seeking on our website. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a personalized campus visit, please contact our admissions.

Jon E. Quistgaard,

President