Lakeland University and Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) have announced a new phase of their partnership that will bring the two institutions together under one roof.
Lakeland will open an office presence at MPTC’s Fond du Lac Campus. An Open House is set for Wednesday, February 18, beginning at 2 p.m. with a short program and ribbon cutting at 3.
Attendees can check out Lakeland’s new space and learn more about Lakeland’s academic programs.
It is the latest example of the two schools working together. In 2024, Lakeland and MPTC partnered to address the nursing workforce shortage by creating a new educational pathway for future nurses that focuses on real world experience.
Students can simultaneously enroll in both schools on their way to earning an associate degree in nursing from MPTC and a bachelor of science in nursing from Lakeland in four years.
Along the way, students supplement classroom learning through clinical placements via MPTC’s partners and unique to Lakeland’s Cooperative Education program, by working in related jobs which rotate students between several nursing specialties allowing them to explore future career specializations.
A previously signed partnership allows MPTC graduates to enroll at Lakeland as juniors, receive a 20% tuition discount for LU undergraduate courses and gain access to credit for prior learning as well as up to a full year of academic credit for work completed through Lakeland’s innovative Cooperative Education program.
Lakeland President Beth Borgen said the physical presence at MPTC expands Lakeland’s strong relationship with Wisconsin’s technical college system and the shared commitment to providing students with multiple opportunities to advance their education through hands-on learning while developing the regional workforce.
MPTC becomes the seventh Wisconsin technical college campus where Lakeland has a presence. Others include Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids, Milwaukee Area Technical College in Milwaukee, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay and Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee.
Founded in 1862, Lakeland has partnered with Wisconsin technical colleges for nearly 50 years.
“We share a vision for a more educated region, and we are passionate about creating easier access for students to achieve their educational goals,” Borgen said. “It makes sense for private and public institutions to work together for a common good – helping our students achieve their educational goals while aligning with regional workforce development needs.”
“Moraine Park is excited to continue growing our partnership with Lakeland University,” Bonnie Baerwald, Moraine Park president, said. “Together, we are creating stronger, more seamless pathways for students to continue their education. Lakeland’s location on our Fond du Lac Campus is a thoughtful, intentional effort to remove barriers and bring opportunity closer to the students we serve.”
To learn more about Lakeland’s partnership with MPTC and the advantages for students, visit Lakeland.edu/MPTC.
