The College of St. Scholastica, celebrating its 114th year, continues to play a vital role in the Twin Ports community. Under the leadership of Barbara McDonald, the college emphasizes its commitment to education and professional development, aiming to shape leaders who will contribute to a prosperous future. With a rich heritage rooted in Catholic Benedictine values, St. Scholastica is focused on addressing the challenges faced by communities both locally and globally.
As the college looks toward 2026, it has initiated several key projects aimed at enhancing its impact on the region’s economy and the educational landscape. A recent economic-impact study revealed that St. Scholastica contributes over $227 million to the local and regional economy, highlighting the institution’s significant role in fostering economic growth.
Strategic Initiatives for Growth
In May 2023, the Board of Trustees approved the “Strategic Plan 2030: Innovating Today for a Dynamic Tomorrow.” This comprehensive plan outlines four main pillars: institutional sustainability, student success, academic programming, and lifelong learning, all while honoring the college’s Catholic Benedictine legacy. Among the innovations is the new Center for Professional Training and Lifelong Learning, which will launch in January 2025. This center aims to provide professionals with opportunities to advance their careers through short courses and certificates in critical fields such as artificial intelligence and health care.
In the past academic year, St. Scholastica graduated over 1,100 students, many of whom are now working with regional health partners, including Essentia Health and Aspirus St. Luke’s. These partnerships are essential for building a robust healthcare workforce in the region.
Plans are also underway for a significant renovation of the Duluth main campus’ Science Center, scheduled for completion in 2027. This project aims to create a state-of-the-art advanced practice suite, enhancing training opportunities for the college’s physician-assistant and nursing programs.
Commitment to Education and Innovation
The College of St. Scholastica prides itself on offering a foundational liberal arts education that enriches students’ experiences across humanities, arts, sciences, and research. Programs such as the Innovation Scholars Program encourage undergraduate research, fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity among students.
The college has adopted the tagline “building the future” to succinctly encapsulate its mission of preparing students for success while positively impacting the communities it serves. This vision is especially relevant as the institution prepares for a transition in leadership.
After seven years at the helm, McDonald announced her retirement, effective July 3, 2025. Her departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the college, but she expresses confidence in the groundwork laid by the community for a smooth transition to new leadership.
McDonald’s commitment to the college and the Twin Ports community remains unwavering. She looks forward to seeing how St. Scholastica continues to “build the future” for the residents of this vibrant region. As the college moves forward, it remains dedicated to nurturing talent and fostering a thriving environment for all who engage with it.
