Dr. Shelly Mondeik, president of Mid-State Technical College, accepts the 2024 Portage County Business Council Decree of Excellence award on behalf of the college during a ceremony at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Convention Center in Stevens Point on Jan. 23. She is joined on stage by members of the Mid-State team, including Karen Brzezinski, vice president of human resources and organizational development; Kerry Duckart, precision machining technician instructor; Ryan Kawski, dean of the School of Applied Technology; Carly Lee, AMETA Center office manager; Betty Bruski-Mallek, board of directors member, holding the award; Suzanne Rathe, associate vice president of academics; Amber Stancher, dean of the School of Adult Education and Learning Resources; Jackie Esselman, dean of recruitment and admissions; Chris Severson, vice president of academics; Carrie Kasubaski, vice president of finance; Ben Nusz, dean of the Stevens Point Downtown Campus and School of Business and IT; and Ted Melby, workforce and professional development corporate trainer. (Contributed)

Mid-State honored with PCBC Decree of Excellence Award

By Patrick Lynn

STEVENS POINT – Mid-State Technical College has been recognized by the Portage County Business Council (PCBC) with the 2024 Decree of Excellence Award for its contributions to the local community.

Mid-State President Dr. Shelly Mondeik accepted the award on behalf of the college at the PCBC’s annual dinner on Jan. 23 in Stevens Point.

The Decree of Excellence Award highlights businesses that make significant investments in Portage County’s economic vitality, including capital improvements, workforce expansion, community involvement, and event sponsorships.

“It is an honor to receive PCBC’s Decree of Excellence Award,” Mondeik said. “We are incredibly humbled to see formal recognition for the work Mid-State is doing to support workforce development and opportunity for all in Portage County. We take pride in our ongoing partnerships and remain committed to being a driving force for positive change in the county.”

In 2024, Mid-State opened its Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering Technology, and Apprenticeship (AMETA) Center, offering workforce training and contracted services. By 2027, the center is expected to generate $1.8 million in economic activity from student-related spending and $1.5 million in increased wages among graduates.

The college also launched the LEAD Center in January 2024, hosting nearly 100 events and welcoming over 5,000 visitors for leadership training, community conferences, and professional development. Additional investments included expanding dual-credit offerings, introducing new continuing education courses, and sponsoring major community events.

The college’s Stevens Point Downtown Campus celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2024, signaling continued investment in the city’s core.

Mid-State has also partnered with local organizations such as Leadership Portage County, Teen Leadership, United Way of Portage County, and the Boys & Girls Club of Portage County to support community engagement.

“Mid-State’s efforts on behalf of Stevens Point and Portage County not only support the growth of local industries but also ensure that the area remains a vibrant, thriving hub for economic opportunity and community engagement,” said Downtown Campus Dean Ben Nusz.