A version of this piece originally appeared in the 2025 Anoka Tech Newsletter. View other featured stories
As we begin another academic year at Anoka Technical College, we also launch an exciting chapter guided by a new strategic plan. It reinforces our mission, “to provide innovative career and technical education that helps students and communities live and learn well,” and focuses on four priorities: fostering an engaged campus culture, identifying and prioritizing mission advancing resources, operationalizing a measurable and cohesive vision for student success and enhancing workforce education while maximizing partnerships.
I’m proud of the outcome of the year-long process. This strategic plan builds on our strengths and positions us to meet the evolving needs of students, employees and workforce partners. Most importantly, it reaffirms our commitment to helping students complete programs and launch careers.
This commitment to our students is reflected in our strong enrollment — up more than 30 percent over the past three years — showing students see the value of an Anoka Tech education.
In this issue, you’ll find stories that reflect our focus on student success and workforce training. Our new academic dean shares his journey from English faculty member to college leader. You’ll also meet Molly Anderson, whose work supports students facing academic challenges.
We’re also excited to share updates to our program formats, including shorter paths to credentials and more flexible learning options.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to the year ahead.
Kent Hanson, Ph.D.
President
Anoka Technical College