“It’s a very creative institution,” Hanson said, “and ideas just kind of bubble up from all over the organization.”
Located on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, Anoka-Ramsey is flowing into the future with a grand vision on what education should look like.
“How can we serve the whole student,” Hanson said. “That’s going to continue to be something for us to focus on because if we don’t, they’re just not going to be able to come here.”
Hanson wants to build on the school’s success. In 2017 Anoka-Ramsey was named one of the top 10 schools in the US, and has the second lowest tuition of any community college in Minnesota.
“Anoka-Ramsey is not just for the rich students or whatever,” Hanson said. “We take all students.”
Post-pandemic path
Hanson is trying to guide Anoka-Ramsey on a post-pandemic path.
Said Hanson: “I’ve never been trained to deal with a pandemic before.”
COVID repercussions are still being felt around the globe. That’s certainly the case at Anoka-Ramsey where 40 percent of the students now take online courses – which means Hanson has to figure out what the new normal is.
“It’s frustrating,” Hanson said. “I’ve been in this business of higher education for 32 years and you always think you kind of know what’s happening and what’s going on, but this pandemic has just sort of thrown that all out the window.”
One thing Hanson is certain about – he wants every student on campus to feel valued
“Belongingness means that we welcome all to our college,” Hanson said.
In some spots around the US, there is a push to micromanage curriculum and airbrush some history.
Hanson won’t let that happen at Anoka-Ramsey, which has a mix of students from all backgrounds. There are “welcome” signs all over campus – including the main entrance.
“I feel like we do pretty well with our diversity,” Hanson said… “I imagine in some places right now that isn’t the feeling that some of the students get and that’s not right.”
Food benefits
It is Hanson’s belief that the school should be there for students going through a crisis. Anoka-Ramsey has grant resources available for someone who can’t pay rent or is dealing with other catastrophic events.
Providing free food is another way the college steps up for those in need.
“We have a pretty nice and growing food pantry here where students can come and get sustenance,” Hanson said. “No questions asked. They don’t need to sign in or whatever. It’s sort of inconspicuous…If they’re hungry and they can’t get food, they can’t think clearly, they can’t study clearly.”
Anoka-Ramsey and Anoka Tech operate separately but the schools share some services which saves approximately $700,000 a year. The current enrollment at Anoka-Ramsey is 11,500, and at Anoka Tech it is 2500.
