Historical Roots

Legacy: Growth from previous investments in culture and facilities

In 2012, the Minnesota State Legislature invested close to $42M in ISELF. This investment was a natural recognition of major factors that converged setting the stage for St. Cloud State University to blaze the trail which has ultimately resulted in the creation of The Minnesota Institute of Technology at St. Cloud State University. Beyond the building and equipment, the creation of ISELF was an investment in the culture of how science is done and applied to today’s challenges.

This includes:

• Applying St. Cloud State's interdisciplinary approach to today’s scientific challenges.
• A new way of thinking about higher education and how we educate students in Science and Engineering and how our faculty approach their work.
• The University’s commitment to Stewardship of Place, which acknowledges the institution has a role and responsibility for the development of our community and region.
• Changing the way that research is conducted in partnership with local, regional and global businesses and organizations.
• Utilizing international partnerships as a pillar supporting multicultural and diverse teaching, learning and discovery environment.
• Providing the experiential and hands-on learning opportunities that only comes with working in the field.
• Providing regional businesses access to resources, subject matter experts from faculty and staff and a strong pool of student talent.
• Prioritizing faculty and staff professional development as they explore the most recent trends, needs and practices of today’s workplace.
• The community which continues to develop, grow and benefit from workforce training opportunities that our students gain in the classroom and through experiential learning.
• Joint projects with industrial partners that result in innovative solutions that enrich the local economy and improve and protect the lives of millions.
• Utilizing advanced technology to facilitate innovative teaching and learning in classrooms and labs of the future.