History
A referendum in 1894 stated that a School of Forestry be in Bottineau, North Dakota, to provide, in addition to forestry, comprehensive junior college curriculums. The North Dakota Century Code identified a special niche for the college by mandating it to offer programs in agriculture, forestry, and horticulture. Since then, the college not only has expanded its natural resource programming, but it has also added programs in numerous other areas that serve the need of its constituents — most notably in Allied Health and the online delivery of instruction.
The relationship between the School of Forestry and North Dakota State University was first established in 1969 when the Board of Higher Education approved the “administrative attachment” of the two institutions. The School of Forestry became known as North Dakota State University-Bottineau Branch and Institute of Forestry at that time. In 1987, the name was modified to North Dakota State University-Bottineau.
In April of 1996, the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education affiliated the
College with Minot State University, and the name of the school was changed to Minot State University-Bottineau Campus. This realignment continues to be productive and has resulted in many collaborative efforts.
In the summer of 2006, the college celebrated a century (1906-2006) of excellence commemorating the determination, strength, and resourcefulness of our students, faculty, staff, and community. For 100 years, as the North Dakota School of Forestry, NDSU-Bottineau, and MSU-Bottineau, the institution prepared men and women to become contributing members of society. Campus aspirations were reflected in the centennial motto: Rooted in the past, growing towards the future.
On August 1, 2009, MSU-Bottineau became Dakota College at Bottineau. The new name gives the institution a unique identity in a way that reflects its location; history; mission; and ongoing Nature, Technology, and Beyond focus, but does not change the college’s affiliation with Minot State University. The new name describes the college’s unique spirit and vibrancy. The campus remains a place that provides students with a quality education in a caring environment.
Institutional Mission
Dakota College at Bottineau provides a quality education in a caring environment.
Vision
Dakota College at Bottineau adapts to the changing educational landscape to empower students and impact communities.
Values
Dakota College at Bottineau is student-focused and community centered. We value: Integrity, Engagement, Inclusion and Passion.
Campus Focus: “Nature, Technology and Beyond” Defined
Established as the School of Forestry in 1906, Dakota College at Bottineau has consistently utilized the biological diversity of the region: Turtle Mountain Forest, prairie pothole region, J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuge, International Peace Garden, and Lake Metigoshe. Using these as natural laboratories to strengthen the educational experience and continuously expanding academic and career programming, Dakota College at Bottineau integrates technology to prepare students not only for the present but also to go beyond and improve the future.
Dakota College at Bottineau’s diverse, natural surroundings provide examples of how and why everyone must care for the environment. Technology aids in determining appropriate methods to solve problems and creates the change necessary to maximize positive consequences to all life.
Through these and other appropriate actions, Dakota College at Bottineau will endeavor to leave students with an ethic of concern and care for the world.
Graduate Profile
Graduates of Dakota College are self-confident and possess skills that promote life-long learning. When Dakota College graduates leave the nurturing environment the campus provides, they can successfully continue their education or effectively enter the workforce. By utilizing the knowledge gained and the interpersonal and communication skills learned on campus, graduates will become contributing members of society. Dakota College develops responsible graduates who can be successful in life while using and protecting our natural and human resources wisely.