Congressman Finstad visits campus Mankato and SPC adopts first polytech institute

By CARLY BAHR Staff Writer

Universities have been adapting “polytechnic” schools for the past few decades. Several states have adopted polytechnic institutes into their universities, and now, Minnesota State will offer the first and only polytechnic institute in the state.

Polytechnic refers to an educational approach with a focus on applied and experiential learning, meaning the curriculum is more project-based than a traditional lecture environment.

By JACKSON JIRIK Staff Writer

It is no secret mental health has become a growing problem since the start of COVID-19.

From elderly people to high school and college students people of all ages struggle with their mental health.

The Center for Rural Behavioral Health at Minnesota State University, Mankato has opened a door to people who lack access to a mental health services.

Thad Shunkwiler, director of the Center for Rural Behavioral Health, has started something that looks to help people struggling with mental health both in rural southern Minnesota and at MSU.

Shunkwiler had the opportunity last week to give a presentation to District 1 Congressman Brad Finstad in hopes to shed light on the situation that many Minnesotans are dealing with.

Shunkweiler wanted to focus on the rural areas of Minnesota, especially farmers who may be affected by mental health issues.

Shunkweiler’s presentation laid out a multitude of facts including, “Suicide rates are six times higher among farmers and COVID is making it even worse,” an alarming rate for anybody involved but most importantly our neighbors within southern Minnesota who are the ones suffering.

The Center for Rural Behavioral Health gives farmers and so many other people who live in rural areas and don’t have access to a mental health provid-

FINSTAD on page 3 