Bismarck's three higher education institutions and park district were the focus of Tuesday's Mayors Economic Development Advisory Group meeting, held at the Bismarck Civic Center.

Committee members strategized how best to bridge academics with needed work skills.

All three colleges were portrayed with a healthy legacy for Bismarck, but their leaders said they cannot stand idle if they wish to meet the ever shifting demands of the workforce.

They also saw opportunity for collaboration between the schools.

Larry Skogen, president of Bismarck State College, said innovation was needed if they wanted to keep pace.

He said BSC has an economic impact on the community of about $87.8 million.

"If we are going to sit around and be what we have been, we're going to be left in the dust."

"Our mission is we are going to be an innovative community college. We are going to deliver education workforce training and enrichment."

There are about 2,675 full-time students enrolled there.

He said about 50 percent of the students attend for liberal arts transfer programs to other schools. Others are in the job market to adapt their skills with change.

Sister Thomas Welder, president of the University of Mary, said higher education is now experiencing the skills race. "We are concerned that education is made available for all of our citizenry," she said. "We are very committed to preparing that workforce to all of our citizens in our nation"

The college is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The four-year school now offers 44 undergraduate majors, six masters degrees and one doctoral degree. Welder said 2,850 students are enrolled there.

Russel Swagger, vice president of student account services at United Tribes Technical College, said the school is entering into its 40th year of serving the educational needs of the community. He said UTTC experiences a highly successful partnership between tribal, city and state leadership.

He said 1,000 students attend UTTC. About 80 percent are Native American.

He said he would like to strengthen community links for its graduates as they transition into the workforce.

"We don't have established programs or channels for our graduates to move into the workforce. … I see there are potential partnerships we could create that once they walk out of graduation, they move into a high-paying jobs.

"Our view that our greatest strength is that our community is designed to attract new businesses to compete and that our citizenship is becoming more diverse," Swagger said.

"Our view of Bismarck's greatest weakness is a need for a greater cross-cultural understanding. … We believe we all need to learn equally. We should not avoid the issue because it is complex and challenging," he said.

Swagger said studies show UTTC contributes more than $44 million to the local economy.

"Our 2005 return on investment study showed a 20-to-one investment for the graduates we produce," Swagger said.

He said both students and staff were very involved in the community. He said it decreases the level of poverty.

Bismarck Parks and Recreation Director Steve Neu outlined the impacts of sports and leisure upon the local economy.

Neu said changes needed for the Bismarck Park and Recreation Department include:

n Implementing a policy plan for park dedication and land use and parks.

n Community collaboration for one vision for a common identity.

n Help the community recognize the economic impact the parks and recreation create here.

He said the park district employs 45 full-time people and more than 900 full-time seasonal and part-time staff.

He said sports and leisure was value-added economic development and parks raise property values. Much of that economic impact is retail for larger events.

Bismarck City Commissioner Mike Seminary asked if they should consider accelerating efforts to seek legislative help. He was reminded there was little time since the deadline for submitting new measures is Jan. 9.

"Presenting something would be better than nothing at all," Seminary said.

Those attending determined they could still submit grant applications through the stimulus packages. Legislation would be considered.

The next Mayors Advisory Committee meeting is set for Dec. 16.

(Reach reporter LeAnn Eckroth at 250-8264 or leann.eckroth@bismarcktribune.com.)