Lakeland University Expands Partnership, Opens Presence at Lakeshore College

Lakeland University will celebrate the opening of its new presence at Lakeshore College with a community open house on Thursday, Sept. 10, further strengthening a longstanding partnership that has helped students seamlessly continue their education while supporting workforce needs across eastern Wisconsin.

The open house will take place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lakeshore College’s Cleveland campus, where Lakeland University’s new location is housed in the Cedar Building (C1138B), in the Office of Student Life. Community members, prospective students, alumni and business partners are invited to meet with Lakeland representatives and learn more about bachelor’s degree completion opportunities, transfer pathways and student support services.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and short program, including remarks from Lakeland University President Dr. Beth Borgen and Lakeshore College President Dr. Paul Carlsen, will be held at 11 a.m. Visitors can learn more about how students benefit from the partnership between the two schools.

The new location reflects the next chapter in a relationship that has connected Lakeland University and Lakeshore College for years through a shared commitment to expanding access to higher education and preparing graduates to meet the workforce needs of the region.

“This new location demonstrates our continued investment in students and in the communities we serve,” Borgen said. “Lakeland and Lakeshore have worked together for many years to create meaningful educational pathways that allow students to pursue bachelor’s degrees close to home.

“Establishing a permanent presence on Lakeshore’s campus makes those opportunities even more accessible and reinforces our shared commitment to student success and regional workforce development.”

“Lakeland University’s presence on the Lakeshore College campus is a natural extension of the strong partnership we have built over the years and, most importantly, creates more opportunities for our students,” said Carlsen. “Together, we’re helping students achieve their educational and career goals while strengthening the workforce and communities we serve.”

The partnership between Lakeland and Lakeshore extends well beyond this new location. Through the institutions’ longstanding Lake to Lake partnership, students have benefited from clear transfer pathways designed to simplify the transition from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree while minimizing both time and cost.

By maintaining a dedicated presence on the Lakeshore campus, Lakeland’s admissions team will also be readily available to assist students with transfer planning, admissions, financial aid and academic advising, making student transition as seamless as possible.

Lakeshore College graduates can enroll at Lakeland with junior standing, receive transfer scholarships and tuition discounts, and maximize the credits they’ve already earned. While the cost per credit may vary among institutions, Lakeland’s bachelor’s degree programs often require fewer total credits than comparable programs, helping many students complete their degree sooner while reducing their overall investment.

Students also have opportunities to earn credit for prior learning and, through Lakeland’s nationally recognized Cooperative Education program, which allows them to receive academic credit for relevant professional work experience completed while earning their degree.

The collaborative approach between Lakeshore and Lakeland has been recognized throughout the region. In 2025, Lakeland University and Lakeshore College were jointly honored as the Sheboygan County Economic Development Corporation’s Economic Driver of the Year, recognizing the institutions’ collective impact on workforce development, educational opportunity and economic growth throughout Sheboygan County.

Whether students are looking for the flexibility of evening, online or hybrid programs designed for working adults or the traditional college experience, Lakeland offers multiple pathways to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Lakeshore College becomes the eighth Wisconsin technical college campus where Lakeland has a presence. Others include Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Mid-State Technical College in both Wisconsin Rapids and Marshfield, Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College in Green Bay and Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee.

Founded in 1862, Lakeland has partnered with Wisconsin technical colleges for nearly 50 years.

“We share a vision for a more educated region, and we are passionate about creating easier access for students to achieve their educational goals,” Borgen said. “It makes sense for private and public institutions to work together for a common good—helping our students achieve their educational goals while aligning with regional workforce development needs.”

In addition to its new presence at Lakeshore College, Lakeland’s residential campus in rural Sheboygan County—located just 15 minutes from Lakeshore College—provides students with a vibrant campus community, residence halls, NCAA athletics, student organizations and the full university experience.