Motion expresses support for intention of merging accreditations of DCTC and Inver Hills into one accredited college
The following Minnesota State news release was originally published January 29, 2025.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, January 29, 2025 — The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has approved a motion expressing support for the intention of merging the accreditations of Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College into one accredited college. The two colleges have been led by a shared president since 2014, and this action paves the way for its leadership team to proceed with comprehensive planning to merge the accreditations, and subsequent action by the Board of Trustees will be required to approve this plan. There are no plans to close either campus location.
“Restructuring our two colleges into one accredited institution will have many long-lasting benefits for our students,” said Michael Berndt, president of both Dakota County Technical College and Inver Hills Community College. “Under a one-college model, students will have access to a more robust selection of courses and career programs. In addition, students can access the learning and support resources of both campuses, creating a richer college experience for all.”
“A single college will also allow for clearer and more consistent collaboration efforts with regional K–12 and industry partners,” continued Berndt, “and will lead to improved operational efficiency with resources more strategically aligned with mission-centric functions.”
For next steps, the two schools’ leadership team will work with the Higher Learning Commission, the organization that accredits the colleges and universities of Minnesota State, to determine the necessary steps and application process for merging accreditations.
The administration has set a target of integrating core functions no later than May of 2027.
“I appreciate President Berndt’s leadership regarding this work, as well as all those who have participated in the collaborative conversations to bring this recommendation forward,” said Scott Olson, chancellor for Minnesota State. “Their efforts will result in a more dynamic, effective higher education option for the students and communities in the southeast metro.”
Minnesota State includes 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities serving approximately 270,000 students. It is the fourth-largest system of two-year colleges and four-year universities in the United States.
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