Colleges 2018 for Career & Technical Colleges
Military Times Best: Colleges 2018, formerly known as Best for Vets, has ranked Dakota County Technical College #7 nationally for Career & Technical Colleges. According to the Sightline Media publication, the “rankings factor in the results of Military Times’ annual survey, the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement.”
Kathy Bachman, MDVA higher education regional coordinator, works on the DCTC campus at the recently remodeled and relocated Military and Veterans Service Center. Kathy appreciates all the planning and work the college workforce puts into making veterans and military students feel at home in the DCTC community.
“Anne Johnson is a tremendous advocate for veteran’s initiatives, programs and services at DCTC,” Kathy said. “Her vision and dedication to veterans were instrumental in implementing early registration for veterans, and the relocation of the Military and Veterans Service Center.”
Kathy also acknowledged Anna Voight, the college’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon committee chair and associate director of student life.
“I appreciate Anna’s ability to keep the committee focused on goals and initiatives impacting the success of military students,” she said. “Her organization and follow-through helped ensure goals came to fruition that were related to Military Times Best.”
To learn more about the rankings, read:
Military Times Announces the Military Times Best: Colleges 2018
Eighth annual rankings factor in veteran and military students’ success rates
Military and Veterans Service Center Open House
Veteran and military student support network at DCTC
Administrator perspective
Anne Johnson, associate vice president of student affairs at DCTC, reported that the college is committed to supporting students who have served or are serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. That support extends to military family members.
“I am thrilled about DCTC’s ranking in the Military Times publication,” Anne said. “DCTC has made extraordinary strides over the past several years to provide exceptional service and programming for veterans, military students and their families.”
“The recently awarded 5-year, $3.2 million dollar U.S. Department of Education Title III grant has initiatives around the acknowledgement of veterans and military members military occupational specialty (MOS) and equivalency to college credits.”
— Anne Johnson, MBA, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs
Anne added that the college expanded the Military and Veterans Service Center approximately two years ago to provide more space to study as well as room for private meetings with VA representatives, college advisors, social workers and other support people. The center is also a place where veterans can go to support one another in a comfortable, welcoming environment.
“DCTC believes in the importance of supporting veterans and wants them to take classes here, so much so that specific initiatives are identified in the Strategic Enrollment Management plan that was developed during academic year 2016–2017,” Anne said. “Additionally, the recently awarded 5-year, $3.2 million dollar U.S. Department of Education Title III grant—Adult Learners: Service, Success, & Growth—has initiatives around the acknowledgement of veterans and military members military occupational specialty (MOS) and equivalency to college credits.”
Anne pointed out that DCTC offers programs throughout the year not only to support veterans and military students, but to also help college faculty and staff understand the military culture.
“This programming is done through the superior work of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee members’ initiatives linked to college plans,” she said. “DCTC is indeed proud to serve veterans, military members and their families.”
DCTC veterans event and activities gallery
Staff perspective
Kerry Lurken, enrollment advisor and financial aid specialist at the college, is an expert at helping veterans and military students adapt to their studies and campus life.
“We at DCTC are committed to supporting military veterans, spouses and dependent children with their higher education needs, including help with GI Bill benefits,” Kerry said. “The goal of our commitment is to promote academic success leading to graduation and excellent career opportunities.
Student perspective
David Hannan retired from the Minnesota Army National Guard in March 2017 after 24 years of service. David is earning his A.A.S. degree in Networking Administration. He welcomes the support provided by the college’s staff, faculty and administration.
“As a veteran with three deployments, I have unique needs,” he said. “DCTC and the Military and Veterans Service Center help me be successful by working with me to make sure my needs are met.”
Click image below to watch David Hannan’s Twin Cities Live interview:
2016–2017 veterans initiative and event highlights
- Opened a newly remodeled Military and Veterans Service Center
- Read “DCTC Military and Veterans Service Center recognized for work” and “Military and Veterans Service Center receives $2,000 donation” on DCTC News to learn more.
- DCTC support staff maintain regularly scheduled hours in the Military and Veterans Service Center
- Hosted Military Family Day with guest speaker on life after re-integration
- Implemented veteran-specific scholarships for veterans, active-duty service members and their dependents
- Hosted pancake breakfast to raise money for veterans scholarships
- Hosted Veterans Club socials
- Hosted Veterans Job fair
- Read “DCTC Hosting South Metro Veterans Job Fair” on DCTC News to learn more.
- Volunteered at Support Our Troops Haunted House
- Collected holiday gifts for Toys 4 Military Kids drive
- Dental Assistant department hosted Give Kids a Smile for Veterans
- Read “Give Kids a Smile for Veterans” on DCTC News to learn more.
- Offered sessions for campus community on Suicide Awareness and mental health
- Hosted Veterans Affairs representatives on campus
Toys 4 Military Kids 2017
2017–2018 veterans initiative and event highlights, including work underway
- Implementing Early Registration for Veterans fall 2017
- Initiative makes sure veterans get the classes they need to complete their degrees.
- Spearheaded by Anne Johnson and Kerry Lurken.
- Honoring veterans at commencement ceremony with military honor cords
- Creating Veterans Challenge Coins to present to veterans after they receive their degrees or diplomas
- Strengthening relationships with Rosemount and other BTYR networks
- Hosting Military Appreciation week
- Read “Military Appreciation Week” on DCTC News to learn more.
- For photos visit, Military Appreciation Week on Flickr.
- Collecting holiday gifts for Toys 4 Military Kids drive
- Read “Toys 4 Military Kids” on DCTC News to learn more.
To learn more about the Military and Veterans Service Center at DCTC, contact:
Kathy Bachman
MDVA Higher Education Regional Coordinator
651-423-8274
Military and Veterans Service Center: Room 2-303
