Lakeland, NWTC celebrate expanded partnership
Numerous students, employees and community leaders joined Lakeland University and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Tuesday as the schools celebrated the grand opening of Lakeland’s Green Bay Center at NWTC.
Lakeland relocated its Green Bay Center to NWTC’s main campus this summer. The center is housed in the College of Business building (entrance 3) and includes an office presence and dedicated classroom.
Laurie Radke, president/CEO of the Greater Green Bay Chamber and a former employee of both Lakeland and NWTC, kicked off a short ribbon cutting ceremony.
“This is really special and touches my heart,” Radke said. “Both institutions are committed to student success and meeting students where they’re at. This will positively impact workforce development for the entire region.”
Lakeland President Beth Borgen said the relocation creates a strong synergy between LU and NWTC as both institutions are focused on workforce development, hands-on learning and providing students with multiple opportunities to advance their education.
“It’s exciting to see private and public institutions working together for the common good of helping our students achieve their educational goals,” Borgen said. “To NWTC’s students, we look forward to getting to know you and helping you explore continuing your education with Lakeland at a discounted rate in a way that fits your individual needs and priorities, as well as your career goals.”
NWTC President Kristen Raney said partnering with Lakeland allows the two schools to provide transfer options for students that didn’t previously exist, which also benefits the region.
“It’s a win for our community when we know our graduates can stay here and work in Northeast Wisconsin,” Raney said.
Lakeland, which was founded in 1862 in Sheboygan County, Wis., has had a location in the Green Bay area since 1984.
Through the Green Bay Center, Lakeland offers more than a dozen bachelor’s degree programs as well as four master’s degree programs, which are available online, in person or any combination of the two.
NWTC graduates can enroll at Lakeland as juniors, receive a 20% tuition discount for undergraduate courses and gain access to credit for prior learning as well as up to a full year of academic credit for work completed through Lakeland’s innovative Cooperative Education program.
