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HANCOCK - For Philip Johnson, the recent changes at Finlandia University are important for both the university and Hancock.

"A progress report from Finlandia would begin with the movement of strategic priorities that have resulted in meaningful collaboration with our closest neighbors," said Johnson, who is president of Finlandia.

At its Jan. 20 regular meeting, the Hancock Public Schools Board of Education voted four to three to accept a proposal which involves Finlandia receiving ownership of the middle school building and Condon Field - which is owned by the school district - in exchange for 12 years of Finlandia tuition for Hancock schools students accepted to the university. The middle school building will be used for nursing and health care classes.

That arrangement is called "Campus and Community: Together for Good."

The university owns the former Portage View Hospital, and Johnson said work is continuing there.

"In addition to the 'Campus and Community: Together for Good,' progress at the Jutila Center is also evident," he said.

Phase II construction will begin this summer on the sixth and seventh floors for a business incubator, Johnson said. There will be work done on the building exterior and the roof, as well.

"This construction is an expression of Finlandia's continued commitment to economic development in the western U.P.," he said.

The arrangement with Hancock Public Schools will give some Finlandia students a chance to attend classes they may not otherwise have had, Johnson said.

"Collaborations are spawning new curricular opportunities for Finlandia students," he said.

Johnson said Finlandia is also working on an agreement with a nearby community college for its students to take some nursing and health care classes.

The recent changes made at Finlandia have led to an increase in the freshman class, which Johnson said was up 11 percent for the fall 2008 semester.

"This indicates growth where we need it the most," he said.

Johnson said Finlandia officials are working to increase enrollment even more by making changes in its tuition system, Johnson said.

"Finlandia is executing a new initiative to stress (the university's) affordability and value in higher education."

Kurt Hauglie can be reached at khauglie@mininggazette.com.