Anoka-Ramsey Community College, with campuses in Coon Rapids and Cambridge, Minnesota, has been a leading provider of higher education and training in the north suburban area of Minneapolis/St. Paul since 1965 and East Central Minnesota since 1977. The college serves as a positive force through continued emphasis on educational excellence, at its two campuses - an effort that has paid off with dividends that include economic vitality.

“Annually, the college serves more than 10,000 learners of all ages as they pursue associate degrees that transfer as the first two years of a bachelor’s degree or degrees that lead immediately to rewarding careers, customized training for business and industry and courses for personal and professional development,” says Patrick M. Johns, President of Anoka-Ramsey Community College.

Supporting community
One indicator of Anoka-Ramsey Community College’s contribution to the communities it serves was made clear in a recent economic impact study conducted by Anton, Lubov and Associates, Inc. at the request of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. The study reported that Anoka-Ramsey Community College makes a positive $72 million difference and adds 1,033 jobs to the communities served by the two campuses.

Strengthening businesses - biomedical niche
In addition, a commitment to serving the community is evident through the Continuing Education and Customized Training programs. Last year 10,299 people in the workforce received training or continuing education to enhance their skills or broaden their education. And this year there will even be more.

The college has been awarded 18 Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Grants (MJSP) with 10 of those in the biomedical arena. The most recent grant offers an opportunity for Anoka-Ramsey Community College to provide training for employees of Transoma Medical - a biomedical firm in Arden Hills, Minnesota.

“With support from leaders in Minnesota such as Matt Kramer (Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development), and the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board, the college provides training that is customized to the needs of Minnesota businesses,” explains Johns.

“These partnerships are an all-round win,” says Kramer. “They are a win for the employees, a win for the company, a win for the college and a win for the state.”

Keep it up
Anoka-Ramsey Community College continues to press forward in its efforts to offer students a vital environment for teaching and learning. For example, the institution is currently engaged in a capital funding request to demolish the pole-constructed metal buildings and add approximately 34,200 square feet to the Campus Center building on the Cambridge Campus. Architects have drawn up the plans and now it’s up to the legislature to approve the request.

The college is also gearing up for its 10th summer series of KID U/College for Kids & Teens - a program that infuses enthusiasm on the campuses, according to Johns. More than 1,500 children, from kindergarten to 12th grade, participated in the program last summer and more than 2,000 are expected this year.

“Lifelong learning remains a focus of Anoka-Ramsey Community College,” says Johns. “It’s part of our vision to develop articulate, critical and creative thinkers who are responsible, productive citizens.”

Future responsiveness
To meet this vision, Anoka-Ramsey Community College continually evaluates itself. A recent strategic planning process has provided internal and external viewpoints to help the college discover what its students and communities need. The new strategic plan will be communicated this spring and will continue to be refined as needs fluctuate.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College, contact the Cambridge Campus at 763-689-7000 or the Coon Rapids Campus at 763-427-2600, or visit www.AnokaRamsey.edu.