The Riverland Community College men’s basketball team earned an at-large bid into the NJCAA Division III men’s basketball tournament and they will make the trip to Herkimer College in Herkimer, New York next week.

Riverland Theatre continues its 2023-2024 season with the gripping new play Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler.

In 1953 London, scientists are on the verge of discovering what they call the secret of life: the DNA double helix. Providing the key is driven young physicist Rosalind Franklin, one of the great female scientists of the twentieth century. A chorus of physicists relives the chase, revealing the unsung achievements of this trail-blazing, fiercely independent woman. But if the double helix was the breakthrough of the 20th century, then what kept Franklin out of the history books? Called “beautiful, tender, and surprising,” Photograph 51 looks at the woman who cracked DNA and asks what is sacrificed in the pursuit of science, love, and a place in history.

Riverland Community College’s theatre department will shine a light on its talented students in “The Spotlight,” offering an entertaining evening of scenes, monologues, and songs.

This showcase also serves as the students’ preparation for the upcoming Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Des Moines, Iowa, scheduled for January.

Today, Riverland Community College Foundation, the Albert Lea Economic Development Agency (ALEDA) and the Albert Lea Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce announced the new Freeborn County Community Promise Scholarship to students at Albert Lea High School in a brief program.

The Riverland Community College women’s basketball team lost to Central Lakes 61-53 on the road Saturday.

The Riverland Community College men’s basketball team scored their 14th straight win when they toppled Central Lakes 89-56 on the road Saturday.

Riverland Community College's Austin West campus hosted students from across Region 8 FFA for the Dairy and Poultry Judging Contests.

Riverland Community College will host an insightful panel discussion titled “The Future of Rural Healthcare” on Wednesday, Dec.13, from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This event, moderated by Mark Jones, Executive Director of the Minnesota Rural Health Association, promises to be an engaging and informative session on the evolving landscape of rural healthcare in Minnesota.

Every institution of higher education is facing two major changes right now: Automation and artificial intelligence are universally transforming every sector of our economy (including the training required) - from healthcare to manufacturing, agriculture to education. Meanwhile, changing demographics and attitudes toward education are impacting enrollment rates and colleges' strategic focus.

In the midst of these changes, Dr. Kat Linaker has taken the helm of Minnesota's Riverland Community College. She comes with a passion for technical education and an enthusiasm for embracing these imminent changes in a way that will empower her students and impact Riverland's community.

In this episode, hear how Dr. Linaker plans to address these two major changes at Riverland. There are tons of insights you can implement in your own organization!

LINK TO PODCAST

Riverland Community College begins its 2023-2024 theatre season with the hilarious comedy Urinetown, The Musical.

Dr. Kat Linaker, Riverland’s President was a guest columnist in the Owatonna People’s Press last week. A link to her column appears below. 

Riverland Community College has named Matt Bissonette as the new Dean of Academics and Customized Training.

Bissonnette holds an education doctorate in Career & Technical Education from UW-Stout, a Masters in Transformational Leadership from Bethel in St. Paul and a bachelor’s in biology from the University of Iowa. He has been an academic dean in the Minnesota State system for nine years at multiple institutions where his academic focus has been Career Technical Education programs. He has also worked with customized training and workforce development helping businesses grow and be successful for over a decade.

Bissonette will also serve as the Owatonna Campus Director, and will spend time with faculty, staff, and college partners at all three Riverland campuses including Austin and Albert Lea.  He will lead the development and enhancements to academic programs, customized training and continuing education offerings to grow our regional workforce.

Riverland Community College Theatre Director Lindsey Duoos Williams has announced the 2023-2024 theatre season. The shows this year will include two musicals, a new play, and a showcase of Riverland student work. Tickets are now on sale.

The following opinion column by Michelle Morehouse appeared in the Owatonna People's Press on Sept. 5, 2023. Michelle is the Director of Career and Community Connections for Riverland Community College.

On  Aug. 1, 2023, Minnesota law legalized recreational marijuana. Anyone 21 years of age or older may possess or transport and use cannabis in certain locations. Please note that federal law continues to classify the use of cannabis products as illegal. The colleges and universities of Minnesota State, including Riverland Community College, are required to prohibit use as a condition of receiving federal assistance. Riverland is in the process of reviewing student, employee, and housing policies to state that cannabis possession, use, and transport is prohibited on campus, including in residential and workplace settings. Violation of these policies may result in discipline.

The following opinion column by Chris Wolf appeared in the Owatonna People's Press on August 2, 2023. Chris is the academic dean of nursing, health and wellness.