Matanuska–Susitna College in
Palmer, Alaska
Palmer (Ahtna: ''Nił'etse'it'aade'' or ''Nuutah''; Dena'ina: ''Denal'i Kena'') is a city in and the borough seat of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, United States, located northeast of Anchorage on the Glenn Highway in the Matanuska ...
, north of
Anchorage
Anchorage () is the largest city in the U.S. state of Alaska by population. With a population of 291,247 in 2020, it contains nearly 40% of the state's population. The Anchorage metropolitan area, which includes Anchorage and the neighboring Ma ...
, is part of the
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public university in Anchorage, Alaska. UAA also administers four community campuses spread across Southcentral Alaska: Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, Matanuska–Susitna College, and Pr ...
system. The college began in 1958 as Palmer Community College, changing its name in 1963 to correspond to the
Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Matanuska-Susitna Borough (often referred to as the Mat-Su Borough) is a borough located in the U.S. state of Alaska. Its county seat is Palmer, and the largest community is the census-designated place of Knik-Fairview.
The borough is part of ...
where it is located. It is commonly called Mat-Su College. Total enrollment is about 1,800 students per semester. Talis Colberg was appointed as the fourth Director of the College in 2002.
Academics
Associate degree programs
Matanuska–Susanna College (Mat-Su College) is an extended campus of the University of Alaska - Anchorage. The college offers two-year associate degree programs. Students may take courses that lead to an Associate of Arts or an Associate of Applied Science degree in the following areas:
*
Accounting
Accounting, also known as accountancy, is the measurement, processing, and communication of financial and non financial information about economic entities such as businesses and corporations. Accounting, which has been called the "languag ...
*Associate of Arts
*
Computer Systems Technology
*
Human Services
Human services is an interdisciplinary field of study with the objective of meeting human needs through an applied knowledge base, focusing on prevention as well as remediation of problems, and maintaining a commitment to improving the overall qua ...
*Refrigeration & Heating Technology
*
Small Business Administration
The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the United States government that provides support to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The mission of the Small Business Administration is "to maintain and stren ...
*
Telecommunications Electronics & Computer Technology
*Information Technology Specialist (via
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF or Alaska) is a public land-grant research university in College, Alaska, a suburb of Fairbanks. It is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system. UAF was established in 1917 and opened for cla ...
)
*Paramedical Technology
*Sustainable Energy
*General Business
Vocational programs
Many students at Matanuska–Susitna College attend its vocational education classes. It offers professional certification in:
*
Computer Information & Office Systems
*Computer & Networking Technology (CISCO)
*Refrigeration & Heating Technology
*Information Technology Specialist (via
University of Alaska Fairbanks
The University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF or Alaska) is a public land-grant research university in College, Alaska, a suburb of Fairbanks. It is the flagship campus of the University of Alaska system. UAF was established in 1917 and opened for cla ...
)
*Veterinary Assisting
*Sustainable Energy
In addition, Matanuska–Susitna College offers numerous community enrichment programs, such as
watercolor painting
Watercolor (American English
American English, sometimes called United States English or U.S. English, is the set of variety (linguistics), varieties of the English language native to the United States. English is the Languages of the U ...
, metalsmithing, knifemaking, and
pottery
Pottery is the process and the products of forming vessels and other objects with clay and other ceramic materials, which are fired at high temperatures to give them a hard and durable form. Major types include earthenware, stoneware and por ...
. The Mat-Su Community Choir also has classes and recitals in the College.
Buildings
The Matanuska–Susitna College campus sits on a area. The college has five main buildings, comprising a facility:
*Fred and Sara Machetanz Building is referred to as "FSM." It contains all of the Art classes, most Social Sciences classes, Computer Information Office Systems classes, and the Student Services offices. It is named after Fred and Sara Machetanz, who donated large amounts of land to
Mat-Su College; both received meritorious service awards from Mat-Su College in 1987.
Fred Machetanz, who also received an honorary degree from Mat-Su in 1973, was a well-known and highly respected Alaskan artist. Numerous paintings of his can be viewed throughout the FSM. A portrait of Fred Machetanz hangs near the Student Services office. The upper floor of the FSM building houses the art studio and art history classroom. The MatSu College art program consists of beginner, intermediate, and advanced courses. Fred Machetanz studied with Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, and Norman Rockwell. His technique of underpainting (as some of the Renaissance Masters painted) is one of the many painting techniques taught at the college.
*Jalmar Kerttula Building is referred to as "JKB." It is where most English, Computer Network Support, & Biology classes are held. It also houses the Academic Affairs office, Director's Office, Marketing, Student Government office, and Bookstore. A local state representative, Jalmar "Jay" Kerttula served in the Alaska Legislature for more than 30 years.
*The Alvin S. Okeson Library or OLB; is the academic library. The library building also houses the Testing and Learning Center. It is named after a founder of the college. The library's collections include more than 45,000 items, including books, maps, videos, and CDs, and 80
periodical
A periodical literature (also called a periodical publication or simply a periodical) is a published work that appears in a new edition on a regular schedule. The most familiar example is a newspaper, but a magazine or a journal are also examples ...
s in print format, with access to several thousand more.
*Snodgrass Agricultural Science Building is referred to as Snodgrass Hall or Snod for short. Most mathematics and science classes are held there. It also houses the Paramedic Program, and will be housing the
University of Alaska Anchorage
The University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) is a public university in Anchorage, Alaska. UAA also administers four community campuses spread across Southcentral Alaska: Kenai Peninsula College, Kodiak College, Matanuska–Susitna College, and Pr ...
School of Nursing after the expansion is complete. It is named after State Department of Agriculture Director Roland Snodgrass, who is often called the "Father of Alaskan Agriculture".
*Glenn Massay Theater is referred to as the Massay ('mass-ee') theater or simply the theater. The Massay Theater is a 520-seat performing arts theater and the newest addition to the Mat-Su College, having opened February 2015. It is named after past director Glenn Massay, who in addition to serving as campus director for years was a supporter of and amateur performer in local theater. The Glenn Massay Theater was constructed for the purpose of hosting large scale theater productions, musical performances, film festivals, and lectures.
Notable alumni
*
Sarah Palin
Sarah Louise Palin (; Heath; born February 11, 1964) is an American politician, commentator, author, and reality television personality who served as the ninth governor of Alaska from 2006 until her resignation in 2009. She was the 2008 R ...
– former Governor and Vice Presidential candidate, took one class at the college in the fall of 1985
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Matanuska-Susitna College
Buildings and structures in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Educational institutions established in 1958
University of Alaska Anchorage
Community colleges in Alaska
Education in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
1958 establishments in Alaska