Central Wisconsin News

Mid-State Technical College has been honored as the 2025 Firm of the Year by the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MACCI). This accolade recognizes the college's significant contributions to workforce development, economic growth, and community engagement. The award was presented during MACCI’s Annual Dinner on January 29, where Mid-State also marked its 105th year of service to the Marshfield community.

The Marshfield Campus of Mid-State plays a crucial role in preparing students for local careers in demand. It employs nearly 40 full-time staff and faculty, with 80 percent of graduates staying within the district to benefit area employers and boost the economy. The campus currently serves around 1,500 students, marking a 12 percent increase from last year.

Mid-State has developed innovative programs through partnerships tailored to meet community needs. Collaborations since 2020 with entities like the City of Marshfield and Marshfield Fire and Rescue have expanded training for firefighters and emergency responders. In 2022, partnerships with Pittsville and Auburndale High Schools led to establishing a Meat Cutting and Butchery program.

“We are incredibly honored to receive this recognition, which highlights the power of collaboration in building a strong workforce and thriving community,” stated Dr. Alex Lendved, dean of Mid-State’s Marshfield Campus and School of Applied Technology.

In recent years, Mid-State has continued investing in its community with new outreach locations like Mid-State on Central and Mid-State at Marshfield Clinic established in 2023. These facilities enhance access to educational resources for students and employers in Marshfield.

During the academic year 2023–2024, over 3,000 credits were awarded by Mid-State to high school students in the area, saving families more than $700,000 in tuition costs. The campus offers adult education through High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) courses alongside General Educational Development (GED), English language learner courses, workforce training programs as well as essential services such as a food pantry.

Mid-State’s excellence is further recognized at state and national levels: it achieved a perfect NCLEX pass rate for nursing graduates in 2023; was named among Wisconsin's top four nursing programs in 2024; ranked first for enrollment growth within Wisconsin Technical College System during 2022–2023; plus being selected as one out ten finalists competing for Bellwether Award come next year.

“While we don’t do what we do for recognition," expressed Dr. Shelly Mondeik President at Mid-state "we are incredibly proud & honored being named 'the' firm-of-the-year.” She added how they look forward serving their local region strengthening existing partnerships expanding opportunities future generations will enjoy too.”