March 2026 update from the President

To Our Community,

As discussions continue about the future of M State’s Detroit Lakes campus, I want to clarify our commitments to students, employees, and the region. Starting today, you can expect to find monthly updates on this topic here, on this page, on or around the 15th of each month.

M State has a long history of excellence in nursing and healthcare education, and our Detroit Lakes campus remains home to strong nursing and radiologic technology programs. The 279 students currently enrolled in these programs will be fully supported through graduation, and both programs will continue to be part of M State.

Each year, M State graduates about 1,000 students, including 238 healthcare graduates who strengthen our regional workforce. Many stay local – in the last five years, 39 graduates stayed in Detroit Lakes, 20 in Perham, four in Park Rapids and 20 more in other communities less than one hour from Detroit Lakes.

While Detroit Lakes campus enrollment has declined, M State continues to serve nearly 15,000 students annually across credit and non-credit programs at our four campuses and online. Our Detroit Lakes-based employees support students across all campuses, and our partnerships with local employers remain strong and essential.

The Detroit Lakes facility is larger than we currently need, and we have a responsibility to consider long-term, sustainable options. Remodeling was explored but proved costly and raised concerns about future viability.

Over the past two years, we’ve engaged in extensive academic planning and community conversations, and we’ve made strategic adjustments – such as relocating programs – to strengthen enrollment and better meet workforce needs. We remain committed to regional priorities, collaboration, and most importantly, the success of our students and employees.

As evaluations continue, we will keep our community informed and engaged. Change can be challenging, but it also opens the door to more sustainable, student-centered solutions. We look forward to ongoing dialogue and shared problem-solving.

Sincerely,
Carrie Brimhall
M State President