Coalition reviews proposed agreement between Southeast Missouri State University, Three Rivers Community College

Officials at Southeast Missouri State University expressed concern about the financial commitment of establishing community college services in Cape Girardeau County on Monday.

Entering into an agreement with Three Rivers Community College would cost millions of dollars to sustain, said Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins.

Leaders from the schools have been meeting since September to create a joint agreement. During the most recent meeting last week, staff from both institutions came together to work out the details of admissions, financial aid and marketing.

A group of business and education leaders reviewed the 21st version of the partnership agreement during a two-hour meeting Monday. The coalition has been collaborating for more than two years to create a community college option in the county.

"I've put lots of miles on, and I've come often," said Dr. Robert Stein, the commissioner of Higher Education. Stein, who has been facilitating the meetings, said the group could present one joint agreement or several proposals to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education.

Members of the group identified eight issues with the joint agreement. Adjustments included adding signatories and identifying the effect on participating institutions. John Mehner, president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce, said he would push for the group to meet again within two weeks.

Dobbins said Southeast stands to lose more than 350 students with the establishment of community college services in the county. He also estimated it would cost the university about $1 million during the first year. By the third year of the project, he calculated it will cost about $2 million to sustain the program.

Despite cost, Southeast officials said they want to be included in the arrangement. Dobbins said the university already serves underprepared students in the region. About 15 percent of freshmen do not meet the university's moderately selective standards.

Regent Al Spradling III said the university understands the financial impact, but has to be careful to not to pass the cost on to its current students.

"We have a lot to lose, and we have a lot to protect," Spradling said.

State Sen. Jason Crowell, R-Cape Girardeau, addressed the coalition and said it should be careful not limit itself to the joint agreement between Three Rivers and Southeast.

"Order a la carte," he said. "Ask the tough questions."

Because the current plan does not offer the full services of a community college, he said the group could consider other options.

"Know it for what it is and ask questions," he said.

The plan calls for classes to be offered at the Career and Technology Center initially. Dobbins and Three Rivers president Dr. Devin Stephenson said classes could start in fall 2010. Associate of art degrees would not be offered at first.

Stephenson said the financial impact of the plan will be minimal.

"The numbers work for us," he said. "We believe it will be self-supporting."

Depending on demand, the location could change and more degree options would be offered, Stephenson said.

"My gut feeling is we're going to run out of space," he said referring to the Career and Technology Center. Past plans by Southeast called for a new center near West Park Mall. Three Rivers has also been scouting locations in Jackson including land donated by the city on U.S. 61 near Interstate 55.

Mineral Area College, which has been offering programs at the Career and Technology Center, will continue to grant associate of applied science degrees.

"It's low-hanging fruit, and it should be protected," Stein said of the college.

Mineral Area College president Dr. Steven Kurtz said the school has invested $1 million in equipment at the center. He said the college is focused on helping facilitate the agreement.

"Once it happens, it's going to take off," Kurtz said.

Monday's collaboration comes on the heels of other frequent meetings to finalize plans. Southeast and Three Rivers' governing boards met Oct. 29 to make adjustments to the plan. Southeast Regents met again Friday via video teleconference to approve the latest version of the agreement. Officials had said they were aiming to present a plan to the Coordinating Board at its December meeting.

Stein and Rich Payne, director of the Career and Technology Center, expressed urgency about moving forward. Payne said 228 people have inquired about new programs since the beginning of the school year.

"There is a time for [prenuptial agreements]. There is a time for anxiety about marriage. And then there is a time when you decide to go to the altar," Stein said.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

One University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO

2080 Three Rivers Boulevard Poplar Bluff, MO