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Pine Technical & Community College cites new labs, enrollment gains after $25M state bond project
Summary
College president Joel Mulford updated the Pine County board on a recently completed trail addition and a $25 million state‑bonded building expansion that added roughly 24,000 sq ft, new labs (auto, gunsmithing, welding) and enabled program growth and higher enrollment.
Joel Mulford, president of Pine Technical & Community College, thanked commissioners for supporting a trail expansion near the college and described a multi‑year building expansion funded by state bonding.
"It was a $25,000,000 state funded bonding project," Mulford said, describing about 24,000 square feet of added space that brought a new auto shop, gunsmithing lab and welding lab online this fall and will allow the college to add curricula such as a second year of welding and an expanded simulation lab. He said the college has already seen enrollment increases and that student housing availability is allowing more program flexibility, including short‑term summer options.
Mulford told the board staff and students are using new amenities and that visible glass‑front labs are helping recruit students into technical programs. Commissioners commended the college's role in workforce development and regional retention; Mulford and board members discussed connecting local trails and the college to support student life and commuting options.
