November 6, 2026 Update: Public hearing held on Detroit Lakes campus closure recommendation

The M State Detroit Lakes campus hosted a public hearing on Thursday evening, November 5, regarding the proposed closure of the campus. The hearing was conducted as part of the public comment process required by Minnesota law as the Minnesota State Board of Trustees considers the campus closure. 

Board of Trustees members Roger Moe, Tim Huebsch and Cheryl Tefer participated in the hearing, along with Chancellor Scott Olson, Associate Vice Chancellor Brian Swanson, M State President Carrie Brimhall, and other college and system representatives.

Public comments made at the hearing, along with written comments submitted before and after the hearing, will be reviewed and considered by the full Board at their next regular meeting in St. Paul in mid-November, when they are expected to vote on whether to approve or deny the closure.

President Brimhall provided brief remarks about the proposal and M State’s vision for maintaining educational access and student support in the Detroit Lakes area; Chancellor Olson remarked on the broader changes impacting higher education in the state; and Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities Brian Swanson reviewed the hearing procedures and explained how testimonies would be received.

Trustee Moe served as Chair of the meeting, recognizing that “this campus has been an important part of the Detroit Lakes community for many years… We understand that conversations about the future of a campus evoke strong feelings and deeply held perspectives, and we appreciate your willingness to share those perspectives with us tonight.”

A crowd of nearly 50 college staff, faculty, students, stakeholders and other community members gathered in room C101 to speak or spectate at the hearing; seven community speakers provided testimony, sharing a range of thoughts and concerns about M State’s continued educational presence in Detroit Lakes, ongoing partnerships with community organizations, and the future of the campus, including the building, grounds, and soccer fields at the north end of the property.

These speakers were: Detroit Lakes Mayor Matt Brenk, MAHUBE-OTWA Executive Director Liz Kuoppala, former Detroit Lakes Youth Soccer Association leader David Carter, Detroit Lakes School District Superintendent Mark Jenson, Detroit Lakes Regional Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Jackie Buboltz, M State English Faculty K.C. Hanson, and Rachel Lawlor, a VP and Administrator at Essentia Health.

The purpose of the hearing was to listen. Board members did not answer questions, debate issues, or respond to testimony during the hearing. All comments made are now part of the official record that the Board will consider before making a final decision about the campus.

The system office is accepting submitted written comments about the campus closure recommendation until noon today, Friday, November 6. A transcript/recap of the hearing and submitted comments is expected to be available to the public sometime next week.