Faculty & Staff
Faculty composition, qualifications, and diversity data for Ridgewater College in Willmar, MN.
🎓 Leadership
Craig Johnson
President
Chief Administrator
📊 How Does the Instructional Staff at Ridgewater College Compare?
With 90 instructors on staff and a 18.0:1 student-to-faculty ratio, Ridgewater College offers students strong access to individual attention and mentoring.
How Ridgewater College Compares
18.0:1 is an excellent ratio by trade-college standards. With 1 core faculty on staff at Ridgewater College, students get more individual attention than at typical peer institutions, which often run 18:1 or higher.
🎯 What Does a 18.0:1 Student-Faculty Ratio at Ridgewater College Mean for You?
At 18.0:1, the student-faculty ratio at Ridgewater College is a real advantage. Smaller groups mean more time with your instructors.
What This Means For Your Education:
Regular interaction with instructors
Good balance of attention and independence
Manageable class sizes for discussion
Faculty available for guidance and support
Opportunities for meaningful relationships
How This Compares
Typical for:
Quality private colleges, well-funded state schools
Industry Context:
Faculty Composition & Diversity
Tenure Status Distribution
Faculty with permanent positions
Faculty on path to tenure
Contract-based faculty
Academic Rank Distribution
Teaching-focused faculty
Faculty Composition Summary
Faculty Size:1 faculty members out of 90 total instructional staff
Job Security:84% have tenure, 19% are tenure-track
Academic Structure:instructors & lecturers represent the largest faculty group (100%)
📊 Complete Faculty-Student Ratio Analysis
The official student-to-faculty ratio for this institution:
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
GoodWhat it measures:Official IPEDS ratio using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty
Why it matters:The standard metric used by College Navigator and official comparisons
🎯 Understanding This Ratio
This is the official ratio reported to the U.S. Department of Education, calculated using Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students and faculty. FTE adjusts for part-time enrollment and staffing, giving a more accurate picture of actual class sizes than raw headcounts. This is the same ratio shown on College Navigator and used in official comparisons.
🌟 Why Does Faculty Diversity at Ridgewater College Matter?
At Ridgewater College, 0% of the instructional staff are faculty of color. While diversity levels vary, understanding why it matters can help you evaluate schools.
Real-World Industry Representation
Industry Connections
Diverse faculty bring connections across different sectors and companies, expanding job opportunities for graduates.
Cultural Competency
Faculty from diverse backgrounds prepare students to work effectively in multicultural workplace environments.
Role Models & Mentorship
Students see themselves reflected in faculty, increasing confidence and career aspirations in their chosen trades.
Academic & Job Security Benefits
Teaching Continuity
Higher tenure rates mean more stable, long-term relationships between students and experienced instructors.
Investment in Excellence
Institutions with secure faculty positions attract and retain higher-quality instructors committed to student success.
Program Consistency
Lower faculty turnover ensures curriculum consistency and ongoing improvements to training programs.
Faculty Performance Benchmarks
Faculty-to-Student Ratios
Lower ratios indicate more personalized attention for students
Student-to-Faculty Ratio (IPEDS)
Official FTE-based ratio
Ratios shown as students per faculty member. Lower numbers indicate smaller class sizes and more individual attention.
Performance Summary
Student Support: Overall faculty-to-student ratio of 18.0:1 (good)
🏆 What makes our instructors exceptional?
Industry-Certified Professionals
Our instructors hold current certifications and licenses in their respective trades, ensuring students learn the most up-to-date skills and standards.
Hands-On Experience
Faculty members bring years of real-world experience from the field, providing students with practical insights that go beyond textbook learning.
Small Class Focus
Low student-to-instructor ratios ensure personalized attention, individualized feedback, and hands-on guidance for every student.
Continuous Professional Development
Faculty regularly attend industry conferences, update certifications, and participate in ongoing training to stay current with evolving technologies.
🤝 Who supports your success beyond the classroom?
Beyond our expert instructors, a dedicated team of professionals supports your educational journey and career success.
Academic Advisors
Guide your program selection, course planning, and academic progress to ensure you graduate on time and job-ready.
Career Services Team
Provide job placement assistance, resume writing help, interview preparation, and connections to local employers actively hiring.
Financial Aid Counselors
Help you navigate financial aid options, scholarships, payment plans, and budgeting strategies to make education affordable.
Student Success Coaches
Offer tutoring, study skills development, personal counseling, and resources to help you overcome challenges and succeed.
🔗 Helpful Resources for Evaluating Trade College Faculty
Research Faculty Quality
Bureau of Labor Statistics
Research career outlook and required qualifications for your field to evaluate instructor credentials.
ACCET Accreditation
Learn about accreditation standards that ensure faculty meet professional teaching qualifications.
Contact & Information
Official College Website
Visit the official website for detailed faculty directories and instructor biographies.
Contact Administration
Call for questions about faculty credentials and teaching approach
8007221151Explore More About Ridgewater College
💡 Key Takeaways About Faculty at Ridgewater College
The college employs 90 instructional staff members, providing a 18.0:1 student-faculty ratio.
With 84% of faculty having tenure, the institution demonstrates commitment to stable, long-term instruction.
Bottom Line: With a well-tenured and experienced teaching team, Ridgewater College offers the kind of instructional stability that supports consistent, high-quality training. Students benefit from long-term relationships with knowledgeable faculty.