College Overview

College Overview

North Hennepin Community College opened its doors to 414 students in the former Osseo Senior High School September of 1966 and today is a vital member of the community and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) system.  The following information provides a brief overview of North Hennepin Community College:

Mission

North Hennepin Community College is committed to educating a diverse community of learners to maximize their intellectual, creative and leadership potential.

Vision

The world is enriched by North Hennepin Community College students, alumni, and employees who lead full and prosperous lives and are actively engaged in their communities.

Values

Integrity, Innovation, Excellence

Strategic Goals

The following strategic goals give direction for moving North Hennepin Community College forward over the next five years:

  • Promote student success
  • Cultivate an educational environment that enhances students' personal and professional growth
  • Recruit and invest in faculty, staff and administrators to support the college values of integrity, innovation and excellence
  • Measure outcomes to foster continuous improvement in college processes and practices

 

Academic Year 2009 Enrollment / Profile

Enrollment

9,944

Full Year Equivalents (FYE)

4,624

Average Class Size

25

Female Students

57%

Male Students

42%

Students Over the Age of 25

45%

Average Age

26

Median Age of Students

23

Full Time Students

21%

Part Time Students

79%

Students of Color

31%

Students Taking Online Classes

3,395

First Generation College Students

6,247 (71%)

English Speakers of Other Languages

1,112

International Students with F-1 Visas

84

Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) Students

475

Students Taking Classes at Buffalo Site

246

Every-Other Weekend College Students

1,356

Continuing Education and Customized Training Students (non-credit)

6,600

Graduation/Transfer Rate

49%


The Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research is able to provide additional demographic detail.

Timeline

  • 2008 — MSU Moorhead offered B.S. degrees in Operations Management and Construction Management on the NHCC campus.
  • 2007 — Online programs received accreditation. MSU Moorhead offered B.A. in Biology on the NHCC campus.
  • 2006 — NHCC celebrated 40 years.
  • 2005 — Courtyard renovation was completed. The Career and Continuing Education Building was renamed The Center for Business and Technology and the Activities Building was renamed The Health and Wellness Center.
  • 2004 — The college served 9,000 students. The New Center for Liberal Arts opened.
  • 2002 — The new Science Center opened. The Tessman Greenhouse was dedicated.
  • 2001 — Senator Paul Wellstone visited campus.
  • 1998 — The College converted from a quarter to a semester system. Governor-elect Jesse Ventura visited campus.
  • 1997 — The carillon was installed on campus.
  • 1996 — The Educational Services Building opened.
  • 1994 — The Evans-Nordby Lecture Series was established. President Bill Clinton visited campus.
  • 1990 — 5,707 students were enrolled. NHCC offered courses in Buffalo.
  • 1989 — Leadership Academy was established.
  • 1988 — The Fitness Center opened. Weekend College was introduced.
  • 1986 — The Career and Continuing Education Building opened. NHCC celebrated 20 years. 4,394 students were enrolled.
  • 1982 — 3,024 students enrolled at NHCC. NHCC Foundation was established. Tuition was set at $25 per credit.
  • 1975 — The Administration Building was completed along with the music addition on Fine Arts building.
  • 1974 — St Cloud State offered courses at North Hennepin. Jesse Ventura attended North Hennepin Community College.
  • 1973 — The name changed from North Hennepin State Junior College to North Hennepin Community College.
  • 1972 — The Campus Center & Fine Arts Building were completed, with the exception of the Theater.
  • 1971 — The two-year nursing curriculum was begun.
  • 1970 —The Activities Building was completed in December.
  • 1969 — The College moved to its present facilities on an eighty-acre site. Fall enrollment was 1,772 students.
  • 1966 — North Hennepin State Junior College opened in the former Osseo Junior High. Dale Lorenz was the first President.