In her second annual State of the College address, Gateway Technical College President and CEO Ritu Raju highlighted the college’s move to expand health care programs on its Elkhorn Campus, the creation of a student food pantry and resource center and the great success the college has had with its dual credit program.

These, and several other topics, were mentioned today in Raju’s address held in HARIBO Hall at the Madrigrano Conference Center on the college’s Kenosha Campus.

“Today, we want to highlight our health care programs – one of our largest set of programs that make an immediate impact on the health of our region,” said Raju. 

“With world-class facilities, highly-trained and passionate faculty and staff, and technology enhancements that make learning more effective, our health care programs truly embody Gateway’s commitment to innovation in teaching and learning.”

Micheal Randolph, Gateway dean of the School of Health, was featured in a video at the event and noted that the college has begun to increase its Elkhorn Campus offerings.

“In 2025, we are excited to expand our nursing programs to the Elkhorn Campus, with a new state-of-the-art simulation facility,” he said. “We also have a new nursing assistant lab classroom and a remodeled medical assistant classroom and lab.

“Students in Walworth County can now earn their Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Practical Nursing and Nursing degrees locally.”

He also added that the college will soon add Respiratory Therapy and Dental Hygiene programs as well.

Gateway in 2024 established a Connection Center that helps  meet the needs of students who are food insecure and provide other ways for them to receive community resources.

Raju pointed out national statistics indicate almost 60 percent of students face basic needs challenges and the same number must choose between college expenses and basic needs. The center helps students gain food and other resources as they seek to better their lives with a college degree.

The current center is in Kenosha, but similar centers will soon expand to the Racine Campus and Elkhorn Campus as well.

Katie Lohre, Gateway director of Accessibility and Counseling Services, spoke about the college’s expansion in the field of mental health services to better meet the needs of students.

“We have more licensed professional counselors than ever before,” she said. “We have four full-time therapists, one for each campus.”

Raju also spoke about the many ways Gateway has had an impact on the area economy and businesses.

“Gateway Technical College is a gateway to the economic growth of our region,” said Raju. “As a catalyst and driver of economic growth, Gateway plays a significant role in supporting our economic development agencies, our chambers of commerce, local and regional agencies and many other partners to make sure that our region remains a premier destination for economic development.”

Layla Merrifield, Wisconsin Technical College System president, said at the event that Gateway has a “long string of successes along the I-94 corridor.”

“This includes their recent partnership with Microsoft, and long history with Kenall, Amazon, HARIBO and other companies that have chosen Southeastern Wisconsin and Gateway for their facilities, providing numerous examples of how the college’s adaptability can serve as a driver of economic development in the region,” said Merrifield.

To see photos of the event, view the Flickr album.