What's Happening at Ranken Technical College

Help Us Prepare for the Next 100 Years!

In the 102 years since its founding, Ranken has become one of the Midwest’s most successful and highly-respected technical colleges. While the past 100 years have seen the College grow and thrive, now the time has come to plan for Ranken’s next 100 years!

This year the College unveiled major changes with new president Stan Shoun at the helm. We have brand-new student housing available for the first time ever, and new and expanded programs in several technical areas. But as we expand and grow it is essential that our president, administrators and board of trustees understand and consider the internal and external perceptions of the College from all audiences:  students, parents, staff and faculty, employers and alumni as well as members of the community surrounding our campus.

For that reason, the College is undergoing a strategic planning process to evaluate our mission, purposes and values, and help us make plans for future improvements.

Please take a moment to fill out this survey and provide any comments you might have. Your opinion is important in helping us create a successful long-term growth plan that will benefit everyone involved in the College.

Thank you in advance for your participation and for helping us become an even more successful institution as we plan for the next 100 years of our growth.

Vice President Honored for Fundraising Activity

Dr. Willard Given “outstanding Fundraising Executive” Award

(St. Louis, MO) The St. Louis regional chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) has chosen Ranken Technical College’s Dr. Timothy Willard as the 2009 recipient of their “Outstanding Fundraising Executive Award” for his contributions to the St. Louis community.

Dr. Willard has been part of the Ranken community for eight years. At the College he leads a team of development professionals, who in the last few years have overseen a highly successful $10 million capital campaign in conjunction with the celebration of the College’s 100th anniversary. That campaign achieved 110% of its goal, making it the most successful campaign in the history of the College.

Diane Ludwig, Director of Development for the Walker Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders, nominated Dr. Willard for the award and said of him, “Whether in his own institution, his profession, his community or his personal life, Tim is the total philanthropic professional, always teaching others the joy of giving. Thanks to his achievements, new buildings and dorms will enhance the campus and change students’ lives for years to come.”

Dr.  Willard will be honored at an AFP luncheon on National Philanthropy day, November 19th 2009.

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Since 1907, Ranken Technical College has served the St. Louis region by providing skilled labor through hands-on, state-of-the-art training in a variety of technical disciplines.  Ranken prepares students for successful careers in their chosen technical fields by placing emphasis on technical training, general education and professionalism.  The College offers Associate of Technology and Science degrees in five core divisions—Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Manufacturing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Architectural Technology and Applied Management. Ranken is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  For more information about Ranken Technical College, visit www.ranken.edu or call 1-866.4RANKEN.

"Good News 4 A Change"

A local news station runs weekly "Good News" pieces, and last week Ranken was featured, due to our outstanding 98% placement rates and multiple job offers per student. Watch the video at the link below.

http://www.kmov.com/video/?z=y&nvid=366143&shu=1

Even in Uncertain Economy, Ranken Graduates Get Jobs

98% Placement Rate for Graduates Holds Steady

Despite challenging unemployment numbers in many job markets, there are some careers that don’t disappear, even in an economic climate like the one we’re facing. Careers in the HVAC, precision machining and electrical fields, for instance, are still going strong. Graduates from Ranken’s two-year associate degree program enjoy excellent job placement rates, usually with more jobs available than there are graduates.

“We have so many companies wanting to hire our students, we have to turn them away,” says Steve Swenson, head of the College’s Electrical division. “Some companies want to hire the entire graduating class. These graduates are in a great position to launch successful careers.”

Careers in automotive maintenance, heating and cooling and industrial technology are not going to disappear, says College President, Ben Ernst.

“You can’t outsource your car repair, or the maintenance of your facility’s machinery. There’s always going to be a need for skilled technicians to keep businesses running. That’s why 98% of our students have a job in their fields within six months of graduation. And many of them have a job even before they walk out our door.”

Ranken’s 2009 graduation ceremony is on May 16th. The College plans to graduate more than 700 students this year.

Since 1907, Ranken Technical College has served the St. Louis region by providing skilled labor through hands-on, state-of-the-art training in a variety of technical disciplines. Ranken prepares students for successful careers in their chosen technical fields by placing emphasis on technical training, general education and professionalism. The College offers Associate of Technology and Science degrees in five core divisions—Automotive, Construction, Electrical, Information Technology and Manufacturing, as well as Bachelor of Science degrees in Architectural Technology and Applied Management. Ranken is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about Ranken Technical College, visit www.ranken.edu or call 1-866.4RANKEN.

Ranken in the News

Recently Ranken has been featured on Greg Damon's "Auto Show" on KMOX. Listen in here

Our recent donation of a trailer to the VOIEF was featured on Larry Conner's "Good News 4 A Change" segment on KMOV. Watch here. 

Ranken Technical College, Gateway International Raceway Continue Relationship

Ranken Technical College and Gateway International Raceway are pleased to announce that Ranken Technical College, a St. Louis-area institution of higher learning for more than 100 years, is continuing its partnership with the multi-purpose motorsports facility. Ranken will have a presence at GIR’s weekly drag-racing events as well as the two NASCAR races on the track’s 1.25-mile oval, the Missouri-Illinois Dodge Dealers 250 and the Camping World 200.

Ranken Technical College is a private, non-profit, degree granting institution of higher learning whose primary mission is to provide the comprehensive education and training necessary to prepare students for employment and advancement in a variety of technical fields.

Susan Flayer, Ranken’s director of marketing, said the relationship with Gateway International Raceway is a great fit for the college. "A partnership with Gateway International Raceway is perfect for Ranken, because Gateway's activities appeal to so many current and potential Ranken students.

"Naturally our automotive students are attracted to Gateway, but many students in our other 14 technical programs also have an interest in racing. Also, the activities at Gateway have applications in other fields such as Precision Machining, where students can learn to fabricate many of the parts that are used on race cars. We're very excited to let racing fans know how Ranken can help them turn their passion into a career."

GIR’s Vice President and General Manager, Lenny Batycki, agreed with Flayer, saying Ranken graduates have a bright future ahead of them thanks to the college’s reputation.

"As a member of different NASCAR and NHRA teams in the past, I can say with a high degree of certainty that Ranken graduates, due to the strength of the school’s curriculum, have the professional presence that hiring managers at the highest level of motorsports or any other career field are looking for.

"We’re very proud to not only continue our partnership with such an esteemed academic presence in our area, but to know we’re helping its students prepare for their future in the workforce."

For more information on Ranken Technical College, visit them on the Web at Ranken.edu. To learn more about Gateway International Raceway and the more than 200 events it hosts annually, go to GatewayRaceway.com.

Ranken Graduate Earns Patent on Chainsaw Cutter

WASHINGTON, Mo. (AP) — Villa Ridge resident Larry McKnight loves a challenge. That’s why when his son remarked that his father couldn’t invent an upright piece of equipment for his chain saw that would move it from the vertical to horizontal position or control the throttle, the former carpentry teacher was more determined than ever to see it happen.

The 69-year-old needed to clear about 50 cedar trees from his property where he hunts, but the kneeling and twisting required to use a chainsaw in the traditional method would be too hard on his back and knees, which have both been replaced.

McKnight said he could have asked his son to do the work, but he was drawn to the challenge.

“That’s how we think,” he said. “I want to get here, how do I do it? I always say, ’If you can visualize it and sketch it, you can make it.”’ Read full article here.

Gov. Blunt Highlights Legislation Guaranteeing Missouri Students Access to A+ Schools Grants

  Gov. Matt Blunt visited Ranken Technical College for a ceremonial signing of legislation that guarantees that all Missouri public schools students will have access to the A+ Schools Program.  With this legislation, Ranken now has access to the A+ Schools Program for the first time.

          “I believe providing our children access to a world class education is the most important investment we can make in our future.  This is one reason I have made education the state’s highest priority,” Gov. Blunt said. “In order to ensure future prosperity, we must continue to ask more of our students, teachers, and schools, but the investments we are making in education today will help ensure that Missouri’s children have the necessary skills to be active and successful participants in our global economy tomorrow.”

          House Bill 2191, sponsored by Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, allows a school district to participate in the A+ Schools Program regardless of its accreditation status by the State Board of Education if the district meets all other requirements.

          “Potential students now have a financial incentive to give our programs serious consideration,” said Ben Ernst, president of Ranken Technical College. “This legislation will result in more students pursuing technical degrees from Ranken. And the more students we can graduate, the better we are able to serve the needs of Missouri business and industry.”

          “The A+ program provides a ‘win-win’ situation for students, as well as for Ranken. The A+ program will not only benefit students financially, but it will benefit Ranken, since more students will now consider Ranken’s programs,” said Nick Franklin, who is pursuing a degree in electrical automation from Ranken Technical College. “The A+ program definitely provides me an extra incentive to continue my education.”

          Education is Gov. Blunt’s highest public policy and budget priority. Since he took office the governor has signed budgets increasing funding for education by $1.2 billion. The budget the governor signed for FY09 provided a $3.5 million increase for the A+ Schools Program.  Gov. Blunt has increased funding for the A+ Schools Program by $12.7 million over four years, which more than doubled funding for the program since he was elected governor.

          Gov. Blunt also has been a champion for higher education in Missouri.  When he took office, he immediately put an end to the previous administration’s cuts in higher education.  The governor’s support for higher education nearly quadruples funding available for Access Missouri scholarships and provides $105.8 million in new funding for colleges and universities.  This year, for the first time ever, total funding for higher education in the state tops $1 billion.   Thanks to the governor’s leadership the state budget for higher education is the largest in history. Additionally, Gov. Blunt’s Lewis and Clark Discovery Initiative is providing $335 million for colleges and universities across the state for important capital improvement projects on campus.

Ranken Student Featured in St. Clair Journal

Training methods pay off for local competitors
Group includes wheelchair, able-bodied athletes
By Scott Marion, Wednesday, August 6, 2008 8:23 AM CDT

A growing group of athletes is proof that Steve Bunn is on the right track -literally and figuratively - in his bid to create an integrated sports program. The program, designed for both able-bodied and disabled athletes, meets on Monday evenings at Belleville West High School or Westhaven School under the direction of Bunn, owner of Midwest Fitness & Speed Enhancement in Belleville. Bunn and his wife, Alicia, are also co-directors of the sports program at ShowMe Aquatics & Fitness in St. Charles, Mo.

Among those attending a recent session at Westhaven School was Sean Stueve, 21, a wheelchair athlete who is an accomplished sled hockey player."I've been playing wheelchair sports for about 12 years," a Waterloo resident who will be a junior at Ranken Tech. "Stueve said. "I started in sixth grade playing basketball and I still do that. I found about hockey through a flyer I got from another sport, so I figured I would go try that out. I've been playing for about seven years.

"Sled hockey is pretty much the same (as ice hockey), but we're just sitting down and our legs are sort of straight out. We have two sticks with a normal stick blade on the ends for shooting and passing. We propel ourselves with sort of spikes on the end to stab the ice. I've played for teams out of Chicago and Utah and I also play for the DASA Adult Blues (in St. Louis). Most of the guys are older - I'm pretty much the youngest one on the adult team. Read full article.

New Construction - Architect's Concept Render

Everyone's been curious about the new construction on campus, so here's a sneak peek at the architect's concept for the new Ranken bookstore and Welding program.