Riverland Community College History

1940: Austin Junior College

This excerpt was taken from Academic Dean Ruben Meland’s document titled “Austin Junior College – Nine Years of Community Service.”

“Austin Junior College opened its doors of opportunity to the youth of this community on September 3, 1940. The enrollment the first year was comprised of 138 freshmen, served by a faculty of five full-time and four part-time instructors.”

1951: Austin Area Vocational-Technical School

“The Austin Area Vocational-Technical School was established in Austin, Minnesota as a part of the public school system in 1951 and at present (Dec. 1963) provides post high school training to an enrollment of about 250.”

Programs included Carpentry, Farm Equipment Mechanics, Welding, Machine Shop, Automotive Mechanics, Auto Body Rebuilding, Industrial Electronics, Practical Nursing, and Cosmetology.

1966: Name Change to Austin State Junior College

In June 1966, Austin Junior College moved to a new location and officially became Austin State Junior College. The fall of 1966 opened with around 850 students and a faculty of 40. The campus was dedicated on January 29, 1967.

1968: Albert Lea Area Vocational-Technical School Established

The State Board of Education gave final approval for Albert Lea's vocational-technical school on November 4, 1968. Mr. Wayne Broecker served as Director.

1971: Owatonna Extension Center Opens

Classes began September 20, 1971, at the Owatonna Extension Center of Austin State Junior College. Located on the former State School grounds, it offered expanded access to higher education for the region.

1972: Name Change to Vocational-Technical Institute

In March 1972, programs relocated into a new building and the name changed to Austin Area Vocational-Technical Institute as directed by the State Department of Education.

1985: Owatonna Higher Education Center Opens

Riverland began offering customized training to business and industry in Owatonna. A new vision was launched: to connect education, work, and community seamlessly.

1991: Minnesota Riverland Technical College Formed

On July 1, 1991, the Minnesota Riverland Technical College was formed, including campuses in Austin, Faribault, Rochester, and Owatonna.

1996: Riverland Community College Established

Riverland Community College was officially formed July 1, 1996, through the merger of:

• Austin Community College (founded in 1940)
• Riverland Technical College – Austin (founded in 1951)
• South Central Technical College – Albert Lea (founded in 1968)

2001: Owatonna College & University Center (OCUC)

Classes began January 14, 2002, at the new OCUC, hosted by Riverland. Other partners included Concordia University, MSU Mankato, Southwest State, University of St. Thomas, and South Central College.

2008: OCUC Becomes Third Riverland Campus

In December 2008, the Minnesota State system finalized the acquisition of OCUC, officially designating it as Riverland’s third campus.

“Three Partners. One Purpose.” — Riverland Community College, Minnesota State University Mankato, and South Central College.