MnSCU Trustees Consider More Collaborations

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- The board of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is set to discuss big changes for Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota West Community and Technical College.

Chancellor James H. McCormick requested MGT of America, a higher education consulting firm, study the institutions and make recommendations.

The consultants say the two institutions should collaborate to help attract and retain a skilled and educated workforce in southwestern Minnesota.

The consultants also say the university should share back office functions with the technical college, which has campuses in Jackson, Worthington, Pipestone, Canby and Granite Falls.

However, the consultants aren't recommending the two institutions share one president.

The MnSCU trustees are scheduled to meet in committees on Tuesday and during their regular session on Wednesday.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)