Photo: WDIO-TV

From WDIO-TV • April 25, 2022

For years, higher education leaders have been talking about what it would mean to merge the 5 community colleges north of Duluth. Those are Vermilion, Rainy River, Mesabi, Hibbing, and Itasca.

It now means one organization, Minnesota North. The campuses will be known as Minnesota North Itasca, for example, and keep their own community and identity in that way.

Leaders shared more at a chamber lunch in Grand Rapids on Monday. "For higher ed to remain viable, it's what needed to be done," explained Michael Raich, president of the Northeast Higher Education District.

One major question they get, is about athletics. The sports are staying at the colleges.

"We'll be in a better spot to support athletics at each campus, working together than we would have before. At smaller campuses, it's getting harder and harder to sustain athletics," shared Bart Johnson, VP for Academic and Student Affairs.

The foundations at the colleges are also staying separate.

"We're hoping to make this a smooth transition. Students will get one bill, one statement, but have access to more course offerings," shared Jessalyn Sabin, Academic Dean for Career and Technical Programming.

She will be the Campus Lead at Mesabi Range Eveleth. Each campus will have a lead.

Minnesota North's brand is Head North, which is a saying that many of us are used to already.

The official merger is May 23rd. About 2700 students are enrolled full-time at the colleges right now.

To see the original post and read related stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/news/minnesota-north-community-colleges-higher-education/6455056/