Prairie Public Broadcasting

BHE to study college missions BISMARCK, ND (NDPR) - The state Board of Higher Education will be taking a more in-depth look at the missions of the state's 11 campuses.

University System chancellor Bill Goetz says the dynamics of higher-ed are rapidly changing -- and the board wants to look at how the campuses are meeting workforce needs.

"It's not about closing institutions," said Goetz. "It's about making sure that we're sharp, we're focused, we're objective in terms of what the missions should be."

Board president Richie Smith says each of the colleges is unique -- but they have to work together. And he says the missions should also reflect what's happening in their regions.

"In Williston, we have this huge demand for students to work in the oil fields," said Smith. "In Wahpeton, there's the nanotech, Red River (Technology) Corridor. So the missions need to be flexible to handle workforce needs. And they have to work together in the system."

The study will take a number of months.
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