The College of St. Scholastica, located in Duluth, is poised to expand its impact as it celebrates its 114th anniversary. Under the guidance of President Barbara McDonald, who will retire on July 3, 2024, the institution emphasizes its commitment to education, community service, and economic growth in the region.
St. Scholastica has long been a cornerstone of the Twin Ports community, upholding its Catholic Benedictine values while preparing professionals and leaders for a prosperous future. Recognizing the challenges faced by communities locally and globally, the college takes pride in its over 33,000 alumni who contribute positively to society.
Economic Contributions and Strategic Initiatives
A recent economic-impact study highlights the college’s significant role in the local economy, demonstrating a direct and indirect contribution exceeding $227 million. This figure underscores the college’s importance to Duluth and surrounding areas.
In May, St. Scholastica’s Board of Trustees approved the “Strategic Plan 2030: Innovating Today for a Dynamic Tomorrow.” This comprehensive plan focuses on four pillars: institutional sustainability, student success, academic programming, and lifelong learning, all while maintaining the institution’s rich legacy.
One notable addition is the establishment of the Center for Professional Training and Lifelong Learning, set to launch in January 2025. This center will provide professionals with avenues to enhance their careers through short courses and certifications in crucial fields, including artificial intelligence and healthcare.
In the spring of 2024, St. Scholastica graduated over 1,100 students, many of whom are now integral to regional health organizations such as Essentia Health and Aspirus St. Luke’s. To further bolster healthcare training, plans are underway for a renovation of the Duluth main campus’ Science Center, slated for completion in 2027. This renovation will create a state-of-the-art advanced practice suite, enhancing educational and training opportunities for the college’s physician-assistant and nursing programs.
Commitment to Education and Future Leadership
The college prides itself on offering a foundational liberal arts education, fostering skills across humanities, arts, sciences, and fine arts. Programs like the Innovation Scholars Program provide students with valuable research experiences, preparing them for future challenges.
St. Scholastica has adopted the slogan “building the future,” reflecting its commitment to developing pathways for student success and community advancement. This focus on innovation and education ensures that the college remains a vital resource for the citizens of Duluth and beyond.
As President Barbara McDonald prepares for her departure, she expresses confidence in the college’s trajectory. Her tenure, spanning over seven years and over 35 years in education, has laid a robust foundation for the next leader. McDonald believes that the collaborative efforts made during her presidency will lead to a smooth transition and continued success for both the college and the broader Twin Ports area.
In her view, the work done together by the St. Scholastica community has set the stage for a promising future, one where they can continue to build the future together in 2026 and beyond.
