Carl Opgaard

In this interview Mr.Opgaard discusses his educational history both as a student, and as a professor at TCC and other educational institutes. Mr. Opgaard reviews TCC’s atmosphere in the 1980s and 1990s, TCC programs with high enrollment, the beginning information technology and programs at TCC, and the difference between the college he knew during his years at TCC and what it is now. Other topics briefly covered include college legislature, TCC and its interaction with the state college system, and the change in student needs.

I. Early History With TCC pp. 1-2

II. Why TCC? pp. 2

III. TCC’s Mission Then and Now pp. 2

IV. School District Interest in TCC pp. 2-3

V. After Retiring pp. 3

VI. TCC 30 Years From Now pp. 3

VII. Educational History pp. 4

VIII. Beginning Career in North Dakota/ Eight Week Wonder pp. 4-5

IX. Norway pp. 5-6

X. Getting His PhD in the North West, and Why? pp. 6

XI. Teaching in the Public School System pp. 6-7

XII. Sisseton Wahpeton Community College pp. 8-10

XIII. Family pp. 10

XIV. TCC in the Early 1980s pp. 10-11

XV. High Enrollment Programs in the Early 1980s pp. 12

XVI. Technical Degrees and Transfers pp. 12

XVII. Mood on Campus in 1983 pp. 12

XVIII. College Legislature pp. 13

XIX. How TCC Changed from 1983-1990 pp. 13-14

XX. New Needed Programs Provided in the 1980s-1990s pp. 14-15

XXI. The Beginning of Information Technology at TCC pp. 15-16

XXII. Top TCC Achieve pp. 16-17

XXIII. TCC and the State College System Approval and Co-Op pp. 17-18

XXIV. Personal Feelings on the Direction TCC Has Taken pp. 19

XXV. TCC Physical Appearance Past and Present pp. 19

XXVI. Where TCC Should Go in the Future pp. 20

XXVII. Change in Student Need pp. 20-21