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Nicolet officials looking to the best interest of residents

At first glance it appears Nicolet College is playing a game to get what it wants.

What the leaders want are improvements to buildings and expansions.

A year ago the college unsuccessfully sought passage of a $23.5 million referendum to construct a Health Occupations and Science Center and to add on to and remodel several buildings.

Since that plan didn't go forward as college officials had hoped, they are looking for other ways to enhance the building space on campus and make improvements consistent with educational needs that exist in the 21st century.

Last week the college got approval from Oneida County's zoning committee to move forward with constructing a 3,500 square foot addition to the Tamarack Center. Once that is complete programs previously housed in the Art-Tech Center will move there, opening space in the Art Tech Center for the college's Health Occupations program.

The college officials are not really being sneaky in doing what they want. Instead, they appear to be progressing with small portions of the master project in order to accomplish its educational and facility goals in affordable increments.

An institution for post-high school education is so very important to any community and the Northwoods region is no exception.

In particular, the health occupations programs are crucial to the future development of the area. As the population ages there will be an increased need for a variety of health care professionals. If students cannot get into programs in the area, they will go elsewhere and perhaps stay in that area to work.

Planning for the future is not a single-track process. It needs to be done in a defined pattern so that future needs are met in a financially appealing and community focused manner.

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