The new president of Nicolet Area Technical College says he's been getting out and meeting with some of the area's economic development groups but he's spending most of his time right now getting to know the campus.
Dr. Richard Nelson began his new job July 1. He says things are what was said they would be when he went through the interview process.
He says the education world is rapidly changing to keep pace with a rapidly changing economic world....
"....no employer will say the people they're hiring today or the skills they're hiring today are the skills they will need in a few years. In many cases you're not hiring people with specific skills, but you're hiring people with the capacity to learn new skills...."
Nelson says he's comfortable with economic development and says the regions doing the best know education is critical to a strong economy...
"....all across the country, the regions that seem to be doing the best are the regions that pay attention to their education systems, and not just college education..."
He says the 16 technical colleges faired fairly well in the hotly-debated state budget. He says they were able to demonstrate success in placing students in employment. He says Nicolet was no different, showing good placement numbers. He says that fact resonated with budget makers and in the Governor's office.
He says he's recently met with Vilas County Economic Development and other groups and will be getting out to hear from others to see what is happening and how the college can help.
