MnSCU's only agronomy program spared the ax at Southwest Minnesota State

Here's a hopeful update to the budget-cutting at Southwest Minnesota State University:

The Independent reports that the university's agronomy program -- the only one in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system -- has been more or less spared, and the number of faculty to be laid off has been reduced from three to one.

Sounds like administration is giving it a chance to take hold -- but is keeping an eye on it. (The program began in 2009, and how has 82 students in 10 classes.)

Bill Mulso, SMSU associate vice president for advancement, told the Independent:

"We know there's a demand for it; the public was outspoken about it and we want to reach out to that public. But we need greater numbers for it to be successful. Our goal is to give it more time to be successful. We're going to reach out to the industries a little bit more and see what we can do to best meet the needs of the agricultural community."

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