WILLISTON Patrick Hatlestad has been hired as director of the Career and Technical Education Center at Williston State College. He began his duties on May 13.
Hatlestad, currently serving his second term as a representative in the state Legislature, has worked as a high school teacher, high school administrator and office manager of Williston's Job Service ND office.
"I have been hired to run the career and technical education center and all CTE programs," he said in a press release. "There are five initial programs which I'll work to develop, and then develop additional programs as needed, especially by the high schools. There are 14 to 16 high schools involved with the REA with which we work closely to give them as many curriculum options as possible."
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Submitted Photo - - Patrick Hatlestad has been hired as director of the Career and Technical Education Center at Williston State College.
The five initial programs to be established are welding, building trade, electronics/ computers, health careers and auto mechanics.
"A lot of things are going to happen," he said. "The opening of the CTE center is a great opportunity for western North Dakota. Anyone coming out of this program will be grabbed up for employment. If your focus is hands-on learning, the new CTE center is a great opportunity for you."
Hatlestad is also responsible for supervising the dual credit program set up between the college and area high schools.
"We will actively promote the dual credit program and what Williston State has to offer," he said. "Here's a great opportunity for students in outlying areas as well as Williston High School to get their feet wet as to what college is like. It gives the high school students an opportunity to steal second base while keeping their foot on first base."
"Rep. Hatlestad brings experience and leadership that is critical in our making the partnership between the school districts and the college a success," said Raymond Nadolny, Williston State College president.