NWACC’s Dennis Rittle on Workforce Development & Community Impact

Rittle served as a meteorologist for 15 years in the Air Force and Air National Guard. (Michael Woods)

You have a list of college degrees and could teach or be in leadership at any number of universities. But you have focused your career on two-year colleges. Why?

I came from a poor but hardworking family. I have always connected with the students coming to two-year colleges because that was me: unsure, insecure. I did not know if I belonged. The two-year college met me at my point of need and helped me see a path to a better future. I worked while I was in college and qualified as a Pell Grant recipient. We did not have much, but I was not scared of hard work.

Why are two-year colleges important?

Typically, we offer small class sizes so that students and faculty make meaningful connections. However, the smaller class sizes do not equate to extremely high costs. Our employees share similar values. First and foremost, the student is No. 1. Also, two-year colleges focus on the needs of their communities and regions. We are community colleges. Our success is measured in part by the success of the communities we serve. We are not only a key provider to a skilled workforce, but we deeply impact economic development of the region. Two-year colleges are also approachable. Community members can interact with the college. We consider ourselves a part of the community experience.

How does NWACC work with business and industry leaders to meet their workforce needs?

We listen to them. We involve our business and industry partners in program development and promotional efforts. Both educators and industry leaders summarize what each other have shared and then we set mutual goals, build partnerships requiring skin in the game for all.

What are your goals for NWACC?

Offer students the finest value-added learning experience that equips them to pursue the next step in their careers, whether it is additional education at a partner institution, entry, continuance, re-entry into the workforce, or both. We serve as an educational provider for the totality of one’s life, whether the learning is for economic mobility or life enrichment. Provide a skilled and trained workforce to match the expectations of our region. Serve without fear of failure but rather with passion to improve lives through access to an education that offers a generous return on investment for the customer while meeting the customer where she or he is.