Minnesota North College – Vermilion (VCC), previously known as Vermilion Community College (VCC), is a public community college campus located in Ely, Minnesota, adjacent to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Superior National Forest. It several niche programs focusing on natural resources, natural sciences, and outdoor education. The campus offers residential housing to nearly half of all attending students. In 2022, the board of trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities merged the college with several others into a single institution called Minnesota North College.
 | |
| Type | Public community college |
|---|---|
| Established | 1922 |
Parent institution | Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System |
| Provost | Shawn Bina |
| Students | 711 |
| Location | , , United States 47°54′20″N 91°50′20″W / 47.9055556°N 91.8388889°W[1] |
| Campus | 80 acres (32 ha) |
| Colors | Blue & Gold |
| Nickname | Ironhawks |
Sporting affiliations | Minnesota College Athletic Conference |
| Website | www |
Campus
edit
The campus sits on over 80 acres of property located on the outskirts of Ely, and runs an off-site Outdoor Learning Center for student use. This center has cabins, a classroom, forest area, a beach with docks, and is located on Fall Lake which is as an entry point into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
In March 2022, the board of trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system approved merger of the college with Hibbing Community College, Itasca Community College, Mesabi Range College and Rainy River Community College into a single institution called Minnesota North College.[2]
Academics
editAcademic programs range from Law Enforcement to Natural Resources to Animal Sciences to Outdoor Recreation to Business to Liberal Arts.[3][4]
Law enforcement program
editThe Law Enforcement program offers a 19 credit certification program called Seasonal Park Law Enforcement Ranger Training with an optional park ranger academy at the end.[5]
Art program
editIn 2015, a kiln shelter was built on the campus for wood and soda firing of ceramics, as well as an area for a foundry.[6]
The art department offers traditional art courses that include Drawing, Ceramics, and Painting from Environmental Design, Wilderness Digital Photography, and Introduction to Video and the Moving Image.
Vet tech program
editIn the fall of 2017, a new vet tech program was launched.[7] The program involves 75 credit hours.[8][9]
Housing
editIn August 2017, the campus unveiled a new $6 Million 120 bed townhouse style housing that covers 26,000 square-feet.[10][11] Vermilion Community College accommodates over 60% of its students in its housing.[12]
References
edit- ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Vermilion Community College
- ^ Whitford, Emma (March 17, 2022). "Merger Approved for 5 Minnesota Community Colleges". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
- ^ "Vermilion Community College Profile - Minnesota State". www.minnstate.edu. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "Vermilion Community College: Review & Facts | American School Search". www.american-school-search.com. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "Seasonal Park Law Enforcement Ranger Training". Vermilion Community College. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
- ^ "Kiln yard, outdoor theater part of $1.1 million in renovations at VCC". The Ely Echo. Retrieved 2016-12-17.
- ^ "Animal care coming to VCC with new vet tech programs: The Ely Echo". www.elyecho.com. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "Veterinary Technician Profile - Minnesota State". www.mnscu.edu. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "Vermilion Community College: Veterinary Technician". www.vcc.edu. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "New Housing Facility at Vermilion Community College - Fox21Online". Fox21Online. 2017-08-25. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "Groundbreaking set for new student housing at Vermilion Community College in Ely, Minn.: Kraus-Anderson". Kraus-Anderson. Retrieved 2017-11-23.
- ^ "VCC opens new housing - Dignitaries celebrate ribbon cutting day at Timber Ridge: The Ely Echo". www.elyecho.com. Retrieved 2017-11-23.