Gateway Technical College touts accolades, looks ahead in State of the College address

Ritu Raju has served as Gateway Technical College president for more than two years.

In that time, she has come to appreciate the beauty and charm of Southeast Wisconsin. That includes the natural environment and, more importantly, the resilience, work ethic and authenticity of the people.

“Your warm welcome and support has more than offset any winter blues that I might have had,” Raju said.

Raju was one of many people who touted Gateway’s diverse offerings Friday during the 2025 State of the College at Haribo Hall in the Madrigano Conference Center.

Speakers extolled the college’s recent accomplishments and outlined exciting future opportunities.

Raju thanked the Gateway staff, board members, foundation and community partners for their dedication in helping the college serve students through its Kenosha, Racine and Elkhorn campuses.

“I am profoundly honored to be entrusted with leading this remarkable institution,” Raju said. “I look forward to serving this community and region in humility and excellence in the years to come, while strengthening the sustainability and relevance of the college.”

Recent success

Recent activities include seven-figure savings for high schoolers through dual credit classes; a connection center in Kenosha that offers additional support services for students; the expansion of health care facilities and degree offerings in Elkhorn; and Gateway being named a Hispanic-serving institution.

Raju was thrilled that Gateway for the second consecutive year led the state’s technical colleges in dual credit courses for area high school students, who saved about $4.58 million in college credits in 2023-24.

Raju said the college also has a vital role in being an economic driver by training students for jobs.

Layla Merrifield, Wisconsin Technical College System president, agreed and said Gateway’s flexibility and many business partnerships are crucial to help workers and employers “in an increasingly difficult economy and global competitive environment.”

“Gateway is a prime example of our colleges’ ability to develop in-demand curriculum; modify and adapt to evolving industry needs; and support facilities that create the most effective learning environments,” Merrifield said. “Not only are technical colleges building a workforce; they’re building a prosperous future for all of our communities.”

Recent economic developments include corporations like Microsoft and Eli Lilly moving to the area.

“We stay on the leading edge of technology so we can think ahead for our partners,” Raju said.

That technology includes artificial intelligence, which Raju said the college intends to use mainly as a tool to assist teachers and students instead of replacing workers.

“There is no substitute for genuine and authentic humanity,” Raju said.

Looking ahead

Future plans at Gateway include the expansion of dental offerings in Racine and potential connection centers in Racine and Elkhorn.

The Connection Center in Kenosha includes a food pantry, professional clothing boutique and space for students to talk with community organizations that offer assistance with food subsidies, housing, mental health services, child care and transportation.

Raju said it is “heartbreaking” that many students face hunger, housing insecurity, homelessness or all of the above.

Katie Lohre, Gateway director of accessibility and counseling services, said it is vital to have numerous ways to try to meet students’ needs inside and outside classrooms.

“Learning and success are not defined by a singular approach,” Lohre said. “They are defined by a diverse range of tools and strategies enabling each individual to identify their own path to success.”

Five students spoke about how Gateway’s support helped them, both financially and in finding a sense of belonging.

“Sometimes life can get in the way of a student completing their education,” student Andrea Nunez said. “Gateway recognizes that and provides resources to help remove barriers.”

Adequate funding is by far the most significant challenge to Gateway continuing to assist students and expanding its offerings, according to Raju, but she said the college's bond rating, decreased borrowing and financial accountability make Gateway a good steward of the money it receives.

Although the future “holds promise and hope tinged with a little uncertainty,” Raju said Gateway and its many area partners will continue working to meet the needs of students.

“Together, let’s continue to elevate Gateway, rising above the challenges and reaching beyond expectations to create life-changing educational opportunities for our community,” Raju said. “Together, we are not just opening doors. We are building bridges to a brighter, more prosperous future for all. … Let us move forward with renewed enthusiasm, knowing that the best is yet to come for Gateway and for our region.”