Lake Area Tech unveils ambitious Master Campus Plan for growth by 2035

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the Watertown School District's meeting room, President Sanderson took the stage to unveil an ambitious vision for Lake Area Technical College's future. The Master Campus Plan, a culmination of five months of extensive community input, aims to reshape the college over the next decade, aligning educational offerings with regional workforce needs.

Sanderson emphasized the importance of this planning process, which involved hundreds of stakeholders, including students, faculty, and industry partners. The goal is clear: to enhance the college's facilities and programs to better serve an anticipated increase in student enrollment, projected to reach 3,400 by 2030. This growth is expected to yield around 10,000 graduates annually, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in a rapidly evolving job market.

A significant aspect of the discussion centered on the financial implications of the plan. Sanderson outlined the maintenance and repair fees that students will contribute, which will total $8 per credit at the state level and $1 locally. This funding is crucial for maintaining the college's facilities, with over a million dollars already allocated for upkeep. The proposed budget for the new campus developments is estimated between $100 to $120 million, a figure that underscores the scale of the undertaking.

The Master Campus Plan includes several key projects, such as the construction of a Public Safety Training Center and a new Construction Trades Center, both designed to enhance technical education and safety on campus. These projects will not only modernize existing facilities but also create new spaces for learning and community engagement, addressing feedback from students and faculty alike.

As the meeting progressed, Sanderson highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between expanding facilities and caring for existing ones. The plan aims to ensure that all programs, from healthcare to advanced manufacturing, are supported by adequate resources and infrastructure.

In closing, Sanderson expressed optimism about the future of Lake Area Technical College, emphasizing the institution's commitment to providing high-quality education that meets the needs of both students and the local economy. The next decade promises to be transformative, with the Master Campus Plan serving as a roadmap for growth and innovation in technical education. As the meeting wrapped up, attendees left with a sense of excitement and anticipation for the changes ahead, eager to see how this ambitious vision will unfold.