SOUTHWEST BAPTIST WILL RUN STERLING COLLEGE AT POPLAR BLUFF

Southwest Baptist University will assume operation of Sterling College's program in Poplar Bluff effective July 1.

The transfer was approved recently by the governing boards of both institutions.

Southwest Baptist, based in Bolivar, will operate the Poplar Bluff center on a "teach-out" basis for up to two years to allow students to complete degrees.

At the same time, Southwest Baptist will conduct a feasibility study about the possibility of operating a program in Poplar Bluff, said SBU President C. Pat Taylor.

The results of the study will be presented to the school's Board of Trustees in February.

The Baptist school currently operates programs in Dexter, Mountain View and Salem, as well as at its main campus.

Forty-seven students are enrolled at the Poplar Bluff center. The center offers bachelor of science degrees in business administration and liberal studies-human services.

Sterling College, based in Sterling, Kan., has operated the Poplar Bluff center since the 1991-92 academic year.

Tuition will remain $180 a credit hour for the 1997-98 school year, Taylor said.