Monday, June 16, 2025
In Her Words: Changing with the times to prepare all students for careers
CVTC President, Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia, writes about CVTC's mission of fostering learning and engagement
At Chippewa Valley Technical College, we pride ourselves on being a place of continuous evolution, one that adapts to the ever-changing landscape of technology and education. Our mission has always been to prepare all students for the careers of tomorrow, and that means not only keeping up with advancements in the field but also fostering a vibrant and engaging campus experience.
One of the most exciting additions to our college in the last couple of years has been the introduction of our very own mascot, a symbol of unity and school spirit that embodies our commitment to excellence and innovation. The playful and curious river otter is a symbol of how we approach education—with curiosity and confidence.
In addition to Ollie, the River Otter, we continue to expand our extracurricular offerings, giving students more opportunities to build connections, collaborate, and form lifelong friendships outside of the classroom. These activities enhance the student experience, reinforcing that education is not just about what happens in class and labs—it’s about community, teamwork, and personal growth.
As we embrace the future, we also recognize the transformative power of artificial intelligence in education. At CVTC, we are not only integrating AI into our curriculum but actively promoting its use as a tool for meaningful learning. From AI-assisted tutoring to cutting-edge research applications, our faculty and students are leveraging these technologies to enhance creativity, problem-solving, and efficiency. Rather than seeing AI as a disruption, we view it as an opportunity—one that allows us to push the boundaries of what is possible in teaching and learning.
Through these initiatives and many more, we continue to redefine what it means to be a technical college in the modern world. We remain committed to shaping an institution where innovation meets opportunity, and where students are empowered to thrive both academically and socially.
Thank you for being part of our journey. We are helping to shape the future.
Dr. Sunem Beaton-Garcia
President, Chippewa Valley Technical College
