Lake Region State College

Location & Contact:

1801 COLLEGE DRIVE N.
Devils Lake, ND 58301
701-662-1600

Visit our website

Description:

Lake Region State College was founded in 1941 as an extension of the public school system in Devils Lake.
First known as Devils Lake Junior College and Business School, the college developed over the next 20 years into a junior college offering liberal arts and business programs.

Mission Change: In the early 1960s, a dramatic change occurred in the mission and size of the college. The mission changed in response to regional economic needs by introducing a wide variety of vocational, technical, and career-oriented programs. At the same time the college preparatory program developed considerably to meet standards acceptable for transfer to baccalaureate degree programs in four-year colleges and universities. In 1960 the College was renamed Lake Region Junior College.

New Location: Rapid increases in enrollment resulted in a building program, and the college moved to its present campus in 1966. The campus is situated on the northern edge of the city of Devils Lake, three miles from Devils Lake, North Dakotas largest natural body of water.

Cleverly designed to be accessible for everyone and for the northern climate, the residence halls, library, student union, recreation room, gym, and most classrooms are all connected.

Since construction of the new campus, there have been several additions to the original structures. The Erlandson Building, which houses classrooms for Peace Officer Training, Simulator Maintenance Technician, Automobile Technology, Diesel Technology, and Adult Farm Management Programs, is located nearby.

The name of the College was changed from Junior to Community College in August, 1981. On July 1, 1984, the College joined the state system of higher education. Administrative supervision was transferred to the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton in 1985.

LRSC Today: The College became affiliated with the University of North Dakota in 1987, operating as a branch campus under the name of UND-Lake Region. It maintained that affiliation until July 1, 1999, when the College attained independent status within the North Dakota University System as Lake Region State College charged with addressing workforce training needs in the northeast quadrant of North Dakota. This change was interpreted as a vote of confidence, providing recognition and autonomy on par with other independent colleges within the University System. Lake Region State College now reports directly to the University System Chancellor and the State Board of Higher
Education.

Community Support: The College has received support since 1959 from the Community College Foundation, a group of local citizens dedicated to the advancement of the College. Their support includes funds for scholarships, construction and renovations, endowment funds, athletics, and staff development programs.