During the Mid-State Technical College (MSTC) Board of Directors meeting held Monday evening, board members heard a report about additional funding for the college’s five renewable energy programs. MSTC’s mix of renewable programs has received wide support from federal and state grant dollars as well as equipment donations from businesses. Ron Zillmer, Technical & Industrial Division Associate Dean, said the college recently received two new occupation grants. “The Renewable Electricity Technician program received a second year of funding at $32,755, and the Energy Efficiency Technician program received $66,023.”
Dr. John Clark, MSTC President, learned in March that the college was awarded $428,000 from the Department of Labor. Dr. Clark said the funds were secured by Congressman David Obey to support the renewable energy programs. “The majority of this funding will be utilized to secure equipment for hands-on training that is critical for new and incumbent workers in these programs.” In addition, Congressman Obey announced in a media release earlier this month that he will seek $333 million for 89 projects in 2010. One of the projects includes $20 million to support a renewable energy training center at the Wisconsin Rapids campus. MSTC offers five unique associate degrees in Wisconsin, providing individuals with highly sought-after skills for green industries. “There is a dramatic need for skilled workers to bring about change and solidify U.S. leadership in energy efficiency and renewable energy,” said Zillmer.
In other news…
- MSTC's sixth annual student exchange group, accompanied by Business Instructor Diane Wolf, recently returned from their travels to Hessen Germany. The group shared their experiences and learning activities with the board.
- Justin Westover, a first-year marketing student, won first place in a statewide competition designed to recognize the creative spirit and the culture of originality thriving at Wisconsin’s Technical
Colleges. The Futurefest Ideas Competition was sponsored by the Wisconsin Technical College System. Technical college students were invited to enter short videos describing and showing their unique visions of the future at school, home, travel or play. Forty-five entries were submitted from students around the state and judges at each college selected one semifinalist per college. Westover entered the competition as part of a marketing class requirement. “I was shocked. This all started out as just another assignment that I enjoyed doing and suddenly, I’m the grand prize winner.” The board viewed Westover’s video and congratulated him on his success in the statewide contest.
In board action, the board approved a new three-year contract with the MSTC Faculty Association. The agreement, with takes effect July 1, calls for a graduated salary increase of 2.95 percent in the first year and two percent in years two and three. The pact covers 100 full-time teaching faculty members and educational counselors at MSTC’s three campuses and a learning center. The agreement also includes changes in insurance, representing a significant savings to the college.
Dick O’Sullivan, Vice President of Human Resources, said the agreement met two goals: improving labor relations and decreasing insurance costs. “I want to thank the leaders and all members of the negotiating teams of both sides for their hard work and commitment to completing this process in a constructive, collegial manner and to improving the labor relations environment on our campuses.” “These negotiations are proof positive of the successes that we can all achieve when people on both sides of the table are committed to working together in the best interest of the college, and, most important, to our students,” added O’Sullivan.
“This is a moment that is certainly worth celebrating,” said Dr. John Clark. He said he was very pleased that the contract was settled near the end of a strong year for the college. “One of the primary reasons for our continued success and growth is the expertise that students receive from our highly qualified instructors.” Curt Andres, Automotive Technician Instructor and president of the faculty association, said the negotiations were “principled and productive.” “We hope that the ratification of this agreement promotes a climate of trust and respect,” he added.
In other action, the board approved a 1.75 percent merit pool increase for non-represented employees, effective July 1.
The next Mid-State Technical College Board of Directors meeting will be held Monday, May 18 at the Wisconsin Rapids campus. Committee meetings are scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., with the regular Board meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. To learn more about MSTC programs and services, please call 888.575.6782. |
