Campus News
Academic Affairs Award
5/26/12
Minnesota West Community & Technical College was awarded the 2011-2012 Academic and Student Affairs Award in Innovative Partnering & Collaboration for Wind Energy Mechanic Training from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) at the 12th Annual Academic and Student Affairs Awards Ceremony on May 23, 2012 in Brooklyn Park, MN.
The award recognized White Earth Reservation Tribal Council and Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Canby Campus, for the formal partnership to deliver Wind Energy Mechanic training to participants located on the White Earth Reservation.
The partnership between the White Earth Tribal Council and Minnesota West Community and Technical College was designed to focus on training participants to enter the high job growth wind industry. Curriculum designed for this training focused on job skills required to become a successful technician in the maintenance of wind turbines. Areas of study included courses in electricity, hydraulics, and wind energy fundamentals, mechanical fundamentals, climbing, wind power generation / transmission / distribution, OSHA and environmental safety.
Duane Carrow, Minnesota West, Director Minnesota Energy Enterprise Center, “This award recognizes the cooperation between two MnSCU colleges, collaborating to deliver academic training in a non-traditional setting, to a diverse population that is looking to improve their employment opportunities in the wind energy industry. The success of this initiative demonstrates true commitment to education by both the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Tribal Council members and MnSCU administrators and faculty. I am proud to have been a part of this successful endeavor.”
Dr. Richard Shrubb, Minnesota West President comments, “Our Wind Energy Program is productive and friendly to the environment. We’re as proud of our graduates as we are of the faculty and staff who make this program successful.”
Pictured from left to right:
Doug Knowlton, Vice Chancellor, Academic and Student Affairs
Jeff Williamson, Minnesota West Community & Technical Provost
Esther Ames, Workforce Development Coordinator, White Earth Human Services-Employment & Training Department
Duane Carrow, Director, Minnesota Energy Enterprise Center, Minnesota West
Trustee Louise Sundin, Chair Diversity & Multiculturalism Committee