Minnesota State Domestic Maritime Workforce Consortium (MSDMWC) Receives a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) Designation

[Duluth, Minn. / St. Paul, Minn. / Red Wing, Minn. / Winona, Minn. – February 23, 2024] – Yesterday, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the designation of 32 Centers of Excellence (CoE) for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education. The Minnesota State Domestic Maritime Workforce Consortium (MSDMWC), a collaborative effort between Lake Superior College, Saint Paul College, and Minnesota State College Southeast, is a 2024 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education (CoE) designee.

The designated COEs consist of 50 maritime training locations across 17 states and Guam. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) developed the CoE Program to support maritime workforce training and education at designated CoEs, including efforts of the designees to admit additional students, recruit and train faculty, expand facilities, create new maritime pathways, and award students credit for prior experience, including military service.

“Our country depends on a highly skilled mariner workforce to strengthen both our economy and our national security,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “The 32 Centers of Excellence we’re designating today will promote training opportunities outside of traditional four-year degree programs and will bring more Americans into these great maritime careers.”

“Lake Superior College is very pleased for this opportunity to contribute to the training and education of maritime workers,” said Lake Superior College president Dr. Patricia Rogers. “Shipping on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River remains a key ingredient to the state’s economy and prosperity of individuals working on the ports and harbors.”

“Securing a place among the 32 CoE designees nationwide, MSDMWC signifies a powerhouse partnership, offering comprehensive maritime training opportunities across Minnesota,” said Saint Paul College president Dr. Deidra Peaslee. “The collaborative efforts of Lake Superior College, Saint Paul College, and Minnesota State College Southeast and our Port Authority partners will provide greater recognition and support for the many opportunities provided by the maritime industry.”

“Designation as a Center of Excellence will help us leverage our collective strengths and resources to meet the demanding workforce needs of the maritime ports in Minnesota,” said Dr. Marsha Danielson, president of Minnesota State College Southeast. “We look forward to working together in partnership with our local Port Authorities to advance maritime workforce training and education to further strengthen the Minnesota economy.”

This prestigious designation, bestowed by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime

 Administration (MARAD), recognizes MSDMWC’s outstanding commitment to advancing maritime education and training. The consortium’s innovative approach to workforce development aligns with the goals of the CoE program, contributing to the enhancement of the nation’s maritime workforce.

For more information on the Centers of Excellence program and MSDMWC’s designation, please visit the Centers of Excellence.

About Lake Superior College
Lake Superior College (LSC) is a comprehensive two-year community and technical college in Duluth, Minn., offering more than 90 programs, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical and trades programs, allied healthcare and nursing programs, and continuing education and customized training for business and industry. LSC is northeastern Minnesota’s largest two-year college. For more information, visit www.lsc.edu.

About Minnesota State College Southeast
Located in the historic river towns of Red Wing and Winona, Minnesota State College Southeast is a two-year technical and community college offering small class sizes, state-of-the-art facilities, and a friendly and supportive environment. In 2023-2024, the college is celebrating its 50 & 75 Anniversary Year: 50 years of service in Red Wing and 75 years of service in Winona. Minnesota State College Southeast is a member of Minnesota State. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.edu.

About Saint Paul College
Saint Paul College, a comprehensive community and technical college, educates and empowers students to lead purposeful lives and discover rewarding careers. Located in Minnesota’s Capital City of Saint Paul, the College offers 54 associate degree programs and 74 career certificate and diploma programs. Founded in 1910, Saint Paul College is the oldest college in the Minnesota State System. With 65% of the student body identifying as students of color, it is also the most diverse school in the state.