Minnesota State University, Mankato and Riverland Community College jointly announced today a partnership between the two institutions that includes guaranteed admission and in-state tuition rates at Minnesota State Mankato to prospective high school students from Iowa who meet designated criteria.

The “Future Maverick” program, effective this fall for newly enrolled Riverland students from Iowa, provides a seamless pathway for students to earn an associate’s degree from Riverland and a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State Mankato.

The two schools will also share recruiting efforts in northern Iowa as part of the agreement.

Minnesota State Mankato President Richard Davenport and Riverland President Adenuga Atewologun made the announcement official by signing a memorandum of understanding at a ceremony at Riverland’s campus in Albert Lea, Minn.

Both Davenport and Atewologun said the partnership would benefit students and communities as well as Minnesota State Mankato and Riverland.

“We are very pleased to announce this new collaboration,” said Davenport. “This partnership provides a tremendous opportunity for students from Iowa to complete their associate’s degree at Riverland Community College and bachelor’s degree at Minnesota State Mankato. In addition, it will also help showcase the wonderful communities of Austin, Albert Lea, Owatonna and Mankato to many prospective students and families from Iowa.”

“Riverland offers programs that are unique and of national reputation that we believe should be available to and affordable for diverse populations,” said Atewologun. “This partnership is part of our contribution to meeting the projected shortage of skilled workforce in southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Well-prepared, qualified high school graduates in the region can stay close to home and benefit from Riverland’s culture of excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

“Our goal is to enable as many of these students as possible to explore and pursue careers in specialized fields of studies leading to gainful employment after completing their associate degrees at Riverland and baccalaureate degrees at Minnesota State University, Mankato.”

Students who participate in the “Future Maverick” program will consult with academic advisors from both institutions to ensure their academic plans meet degree requirements. Participating students must also meet academic progress requirements and each institution’s standard policies and procedures.

For more information and specific Minnesota State Mankato admissions requirements, please contact David Jones, vice president for student affairs and enrollment management, by phone at 507-389-2121 or by email at david.jones@mnsu.edu.

For more information and specific Riverland admissions requirements, please contact Nel Zellar, director of admissions and new student relations, by phone at 507-433-0832 or by email at nel.zellar@riverland.edu.

Minnesota State Mankato, a comprehensive university with 15,409 students, is part of the Minnesota State Colleges & Universities system, which comprises 31 state institutions.