News and Events

Michael Seymour, President, Alexandria Technical & Community College

Published in the Echo Press as A Higher Ed Story Worth Telling at Alexandria Technical and Community College

National stories suggest an uncertain future for much of higher education. Conversations are focused on declining enrollment, rising costs and related loan debt, questionable value, legislative pushback, and uncertainty about an AI driven future. 

These challenges are very real. Yet here in Alexandria, a different story is unfolding.

Recently, Alexandria Technical & Community College (ATCC) announced record enrollment for FY2026, the highest in the institution's history. Summer and Fall for FY2027 are up another 8%. At the same time, national organizations are recognizing Alexandria College for outcomes that matter most to students and families: return on investment, workforce alignment, military support, and student success.

Students are looking for more as they choose a college or university. They want opportunity, value, and purpose, in an environment where they feel safe and comfortable. They want a positive experience at a reasonable cost. They’re asking practical questions: Will this education lead to a good job? What’s the job placement? Are there things to do? Increasingly, students are aligning more closely with the responses to these questions offered by community and technical colleges than by universities. And that’s the real story here.

Vern Maack, ATCC’s founder, had a favorite saying: “Find ‘em. Teach ‘em. Place ‘em.” Many things have changed since Vern opened the college in 1961, but this business model is still viable for two-year colleges today. Community and technical colleges are better at adapting to the changing needs of students – therefore, perceptions around a two-year college experience are also changing.

This week we kicked off the 2026-27 academic year, welcoming more than 3,800 students to a new beginning. Many come from well beyond a “typical” community college service area, with some traveling hundreds of miles to gain career skills, compete in athletics, or pursue specialized academic programs. In recent years, cities more than 100 miles from Alexandria have ranked among our top feeder schools, and last year nearly 60% of our students came from more than 50 miles away. This fall, we welcomed more than 550 students from outside Minnesota, plus 13 international students from countries around the world.

Students choose ATCC because they see opportunity here. They see strong academic programs, high job placement rates, and above average starting salaries. They see a welcoming community that values education, workforce development, and quality of life. ATCC has become a destination college because Alexandria itself is a destination community. 

Building a destination college requires meeting students and families where they are, listening to their goals, and demonstrating that high-quality education remains accessible and relevant. Students notice when employers are engaged. They notice when businesses provide scholarships, internships, and career opportunities. They notice when community members attend events, support athletics, mentor students, and welcome newcomers. They notice a community that believes in them – evident by our 6th annual Community Fair held on campus the first day of classes.

Our success is deeply connected to the support from our community, and in return, that success enhances our region’s desirability and economic viability. However, to meet workforce needs a decade from now, conversations must begin long before students are making college decisions. Along these lines, this summer, ATCC hosted seven career exploration camps serving more than 90 students in grades 6 through 12. These camps introduced young people to careers in high-demand fields and provided hands-on experiences that sparked curiosity about their future opportunities. To help students thrive in a technology-driven environment, ATCC has developed academic programming in emerging areas such as data analytics and artificial intelligence. These additions reflect our commitment to preparing students for today’s careers, and tomorrow’s innovations.

Every student who discovers a career path strengthens their future. Every graduate who stays in the region strengthens our workforce. Every partnership between education and industry strengthens our economy. And every learner who finds a place to belong strengthens communities.

The higher education institutions that will thrive in the years ahead are those willing to adapt while staying grounded in their mission. They will focus on outcomes and keep student needs at the forefront of every decision, even the hard ones. They will remain nimble – connected to employers and communities. They will equip students with both technical skills and the ability to navigate a changing world.

The story unfolding here is bigger than our college. It is a story about more students finding opportunity, purpose, and a pathway to a meaningful career at community colleges. It is a story about employers, educators, and community members working together to support student success. It is a story about changing perceptions of skills training and a region ahead of the curve.

And that is a story worth telling.