A message from President Craig Johnson

Welcome to Ridgewater College!

Since 1961, Ridgewater College has provided a high-quality, affordable education to help learners achieve their full potential and enrich their lives through personalized and relevant education in an accessible, supportive and inclusive environment. Today, we continue to evolve and grow to live up to our mission, vision and guiding principles and meet the changing needs of students, employers and communities in our region.

We are committed to providing every student with a rich learning experience, on-campus and from a distance. Whether you are seeking specific job training through our Customized Training and Continuing Education division, enrolling in a career and technical program to prepare you for the workforce, or pursuing a liberal arts and sciences education for personal enrichment or transfer to a four-year institution, we are committed to meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.

We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds and identities, with a “Students First!” philosophy and a commitment to equity, affordability, excellence and innovation. We believe the Ridgewater student experience is enhanced by the growing diversity in our surrounding communities that enriches campus life and classroom discussions, and strengthens the economic health and well-being of our local communities. While our Equity 2030 commitment focuses on ensuring educational success for every individual and eliminating all opportunity, performance and achievement gaps in our student population, we also seek to provide every individual with a genuine opportunity for inclusive engagement and success in the workforce and community life beyond our campus boundaries.

If you are a prospective student considering how Ridgewater might fit into your education and career plans, please reach out and connect with one of our recruiters or advisors.  We will put your needs first and help you make decisions that are best for you – and if you are a former Ridgewater student returning to continue your education, welcome back!

Craig Johnson, President