About Us

The primary goal and core strategy of the True North Initiative is designed to revitalize the economy of northeast Minnesota. Three additional components include:
• Innovative connections between business/industry and education.
• Improved patterns of interaction between the college community and all other stakeholders in communities across northeast Minnesota.
• Alignment of higher educational resources with those organizations working on economic development or community growth across the region.

True North is an enterprising venture that will align the people and resources of this region in ways that will better leverage our past and present into a worthwhile future that is based on:
•strong communities
•smart economic development
•education and training.

Dr. Sertich, the regional president of NHED, describes the challenge in this way, "Today we must turn our seasoned, hardy and individualistic attention to several serious and imminent issues. The mining, timber, tourist and technological related industries need to innovate and refine their processes to keep pace with international competitors. Small and medium businesses need a new kind of leadership, venture capital and workforce to succeed. Multi-generational families need new reasons and opportunities to encourage their kids to see this region as a viable place to live, learn and work. True North is a way to give our hopes and dreams a practical and realistic lift!"

The member colleges of the NHED are Itasca Community College, Grand Rapids, MN; Mesabi Range Community and Technical College with campuses in Virginia and Eveleth, MN; Vermilion Community College, Ely, MN; Rainy River Community College, International Falls, MN; and Hibbing Community College, Hibbing, MN, which will become the final college member when its current president retires.

The District is governed by the MnSCU Board of Trustees. Dr. Joe Sertich, NHED President, reports directly to the Board and the Chancellor of MnSCU.

Dr. Sertich focuses his attention on regional communities, economic trends, workforce development, college centers of excellence and regional issues with statewide or national profiles. The District office has one other employee, Linda Danielson, Administrative Assistant to the President. She works closely with the president and other partners in True North.