Southwest Technical College's new president, Dr. Jeremy Pickard, took part in a meet and greet in Prairie du Chien this past Thursday at The Porch from 3–5 p.m.
"We've come to Prairie du Chien because you are a vital part of what we do," said Pickard. "Telling our story is going to be a key component of what we do and making sure we work with the next generation of students."
Pickard is SWTC's sixth president, succeeding Interim President Caleb White. He assumed his duties on June 29 after being selected for the position this past February. Previously, he served as the vice chancellor of academic affairs at Eastern Iowa Community College.
Pickard said SWTC appealed to him because of the rural communities it serves. He added that the college already has an effective system in place to build on. "It's not like I have to come in and fix something that's broken; it’s an elite school."
Pickard noted SWTC was recognized as a top-level technical college this past year when it won the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.
He lauded SWTC's high graduation and replacement rates as well as the institution's method of education planning for its students. "We have an individualized plan for every student [who] comes through our door, which is why our outcomes are so good... We're constantly looking at not just getting you into classes and taking education, but at what's the outcome of that education.”
Pickard said a major component of students' education plans is work-based learning opportunities.
"It doesn't matter what program you get into; you're going to have the opportunity for a job shadow all the way through and possibly an internship," he said. "We're purposefully doing that to get close to the businesses in our communities and make sure we're creating a graduate that is hirable and meets their needs.
"We use the labor market's data to let somebody know here's the investment you're going to make in your education, and once you graduate and have your credential, here's the job you're going to get into, and here's the way to get into that job."
SWTC also invites representatives from business industries to serve on their advisory board.
"We want you to come and tell us where we can be better... work on programs to close the gap on the skills [students] need to be successful," said Pickard.
For non-traditional students, going back to school can be an especially daunting task; however, adult learners have become a significant portion of the student body at technical schools. Pickard said SWTC has options for regardless of what education path they are on.
"Often times, they think they're going to be the only ones and everyone else is going to be 18 years old — that we don't have a large adult population. That's simply not true. We have a number of resources and scholarships for students who are adults," said Pickard. He added that SWTC works with each student on a Student Success Plan, which includes financial planning to show students how to pay for their education.
Pickard said the feedback they've received from students of all ages is that the hardest part is walking in the door and starting their journey, but once they got started, things fell into place. "They always look back and say, 'I was well cared for, people were there to support me, I wasn't alone — there were other people just like me in the same situation.'"
