Coalition to choose from two community college proposals

The coalition that has been working to bring a community college to the Cape Girardeau area will make a final recommendation next month.

The group will meet Sept. 24 and is expected to come to a consensus, said John Mehner president of the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce. The group has faced decisions about location and which institution will head the project.

The group, which includes 11 business and education leaders, commissioned a $70,000 study to determine the higher education needs of the area. After the study's results were released in April, coalition members formulated their own plans. Two proposals were presented at the group's Aug. 19 meeting.

Southeast Missouri State University and Mineral Area College collaborated on a plan creating a higher education center that would also include the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center. Three Rivers Community College also proposed opening a new center.

"In my view both of them were proposals that move progressively toward a good result," said Earl Norman of Benton Hill Investment Co., a member of the coalition.

As the specifics of the plans emerge, Norman said an advisory board should be appointed to decide location and which degrees and classes will be offered. The board, which would include representatives from area high schools, colleges and businesses, would organize and operate the new center, he said.

As the coalition moves toward another phase, he said a final recommendation is possible.

"I do believe we are on the very cusp of doing something very good for the community," Norman said.

Location has become a point of debate for some coalition members. The city of Jackson offered 15 acres to Three Rivers if it chooses to locate on U.S. 61 South of Fruitland. Southeast president Dr. Ken Dobbins said the university was looking to convert space near the mall. He said a higher education center should not be located near the university or the high school to better serve nontraditional students.

"We just need to have some continued discussion about location," said Rich Payne, director of the Career and Technology Center. Under Southeast's plan, the vocational school will continue to offer the technical components of an associate of applied science.

The vocational school, which offers training to high school and college students, is next to Central High School on Silver Springs Road. Payne said about 35 percent of the school's students are college students.

"There's a mix that's already going on," he said.

As the plan evolves, he said there should be a "one-stop shop" for students pursuing an associate degree. Those students could receive technical training and general education coursework in one area of town, he said.

Jurisdiction has become another point of contention for coalition members. Cape Girardeau County is within Three River's service area but outside of the school's taxing district. Mineral Area College, however, already has a presence at the career center where it offers associate of applied science degrees.

Mineral Area's proposal with Southeast is modeled after the Perryville Higher Education Center. Perry County is outside of the school's taxing district but within its service area, said Mineral Area president Dr. Steven Kurtz.

The college has proceeded cautiously with expanding in Cape Girardeau, outside of its service area.

Mineral Area and Southeast would split the cost of operating the facility. Teaching responsibilities will also be split. Kurtz said the college will not lose money because it will be held responsible for instructional costs for its classes.

The proposal is set up for a three-year trial period. If there is demand and the community decides to expand services by establishing a taxing district, it would be positive for the community college movement, he said.

"It would be great to be a part of the beginning of that," Kurtz said.

abusch@semissourian.com

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