College Releases Statement on Closure of St. Croix Outreach Site

(Hayward, WI) – March 11, 2022– The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College (LCOOC) Board of Regents voted at its February 18th meeting to close the St. Croix Outreach Site June 1, 2022, due to a non-continuation of our lease with the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin.

LCOOC had contracted with an outside consultant to conduct a feasibility study of the St. Croix site, including programming and cost analysis, as well as past and potential enrollment from each community in that service area. While we had hoped that the study would justify a continued site, because of this research and analysis, the College has decided not to relocate our facility in the St. Croix area.

We are working with our current students in the St. Croix Outreach Site area to make sure they understand the situation and to provide them with any special needs they may have. It is our goal to ensure that our students stay on track to program completion and have the support they need.

“I am a proud citizen of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin. After working 30+ years in tribal higher education leadership positions I’ve learned knowledge and skills that helped me become a tribal college president. This position and previous positions I’ve held have given me the ability to serve my Ojibwe brothers and sisters. Coming home after all these years and working directly with my own tribe and other Ojibwe Nations is an incredible experience and opportunity for me to give back and uplift our people. The St. Croix Tribe supported me tremendously when I received my education from my time as a student at United Tribes Technical College all the way through to me earning my Ph.D. Tribal Colleges know their students’ needs and we can relate to our students’ experiences. So naturally, I am disappointed that LCOOC won’t be able to be in the St. Croix Community” shares Dr. Russell Swagger, President of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College.

The College remains open to serving the St. Croix Community through our open enrollment policy, as well as administering community education and customized training needs. Notifications of the closure will be sent to agencies as necessary.

To learn more, visit the website at http://lco.edu.