Matanuska–Susitna College

Matanuska–Susitna College

Matanuska–Susitna College in Palmer, Alaska, north of Anchorage, is part of the University of Alaska Anchorage system. The college began in 1958 as Palmer Community College, changing its name in 1963 to correspond to the Matanuska-Susitna Borough where it is located. It is commonly called Mat-Su College. Total enrollment is about 1,650.

Talis Colberg was appointed as the fourth Director of the College since 2002. [1]

Contents

Academics

Associate degree programs

Matanuska–Susitna College offers two-year associate degree programs. Students can take courses that lead to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Science degree in the following areas:

Vocational programs

Many students at Matanuska–Susitna College attend its vocational education classes. It offers professional certification in:

  • Architectural drafting
  • Civil Drafting
  • Mechanical & Electrical Drafting
  • Structural drafting
  • Computer Information & Office Systems (CISCO)
  • Computer & Networking Technology
  • Refrigeration & Heating Technology
  • Information Technology Specialist (via University of Alaska Fairbanks)
  • Veterinary Assisting
  • Renewable Energy

In addition, Matanuska–Susitna College offers numerous community enrichment programs, such as watercolor painting, knifemaking, weaving and pottery. The Mat-Su Community Choir also has classes and recitals in the College.

Buildings

The Matanuska–Susitna College campus sits on a 950-acre (3.8 km2) area. The college has four main buildings, comprising a 102,676-square-foot (9,539 m2) facility:

  • Fred and Sara Machetanz Building is called the FSM. It contains most Social Sciences classes, and the Student Government and Student Services offices. It is named after Fred and Sara Machetanz, who donated large amounts of land to Mat-Su College; both received meritorious service awards from Mat-Su College in 1987. Fred Machetanz, who also received an honorary degree from Mat-Su in 1973, was a well-known and highly respected Alaskan artist. Numerous paintings of his can be viewed throughout the FSM. A portrait of Fred Machetanz hangs near the Student Services office.
  • Jalmar Kerttula Building is called the JKB. It is where most English, Computer Office Systems, and Biology classes are held. A local state representative, Jalmar "Jay" Kerttula served in the Alaska Legislature for more than 30 years.
  • The Alvin S. Okeson Library is the academic library. It is named after a founder of the college. The library's collections include more than 45,000 items, including books, maps, videos, and CDs, and 80 periodicals in print format, with access to several thousand more.
  • Snodgrass Agricultural Science Building is referred to as Snodgrass Hall. Most mathematics and science classes are held there. It is named after State Department of Agriculture Director Roland Snodgrass, who is often called the "Father of Alaskan Agriculture".

Notable alumni

Republican U.S. Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin took one class at the college in Fall 1985, eventually graduating from the University of Idaho.

See also

References

External links


Coordinates: 61°34′46″N 149°14′26″W / 61.57944°N 149.24056°W / 61.57944; -149.24056