Three Rivers plans for center in Dexter

Three Rivers Community College is making plans to expand to to Dexter.

Several days ago, college president Dr. Devin Stephenson and Dr. Wesley Payne, the college vice president, visited Dexter to explore the possibility of entering into a partnership, the Dexter Daily Statesman reported.

Initial talks involved Julian Steiner from the Stoddard County Industrial Development Authority and Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Coleman. A follow-up meeting days ago at the Chamber building turned out a full room of interested local officials, including commissioners, the mayor and City Administrator Mark Stidham.

"I have never seen, in my 33 years in working for community colleges, a more unified and focused community of people who were more than ready to provide an open door for a community college," Stephenson said.

Stephenson said he envisions a learning center, possibly to be housed initially in the east end of the current Chamber of Commerce facility on Market Street. The building formerly housed Media Press.

"We foresee a mix of tradition and non-traditional students," he said. "We see Dexter as becoming a main hub for TRCC and I'm very excited about that."

The population of Dexter students at TRCC is second to students from the college's home base of Poplar Bluff.

The community college veteran in administration also looks forward to building a "very aggressive" online program at the college.

"We don't see higher education anymore as a one-campus operation," Stephenson said. "With today's technology, the educational process may take place at home, next door, in your living room, or in an off-campus center. We want to continually think more broadly."

In full agreement with Stephenson are several key players in Dexter, including School Superintendent Dr. Ken Jackson.

"The availability of classes in Dexter means less travel time, reduced travel costs, and savings on meals," he said. "The possibility of TRCC classes in Dexter, along with the future availability of A+ scholarships for Dexter students will mean significantly reduced costs for students and parents."

Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Janet Coleman said she agreed.

"The (Stoddard County Learning Center) has grown to the point where a partnership with a higher learning institution is warranted," she said. "The line of communication that has been opened is to explore the possibility of further developing the education and training opportunities for the citizens of Stoddard County."

State Sen. Rob Mayer also applauded the efforts.

"By bringing their experience and expertise to our community, Three Rivers Community College proves that it continues to be dedicated to providing outstanding educational opportunities to the rural citizens of southeast Missouri," he said.

Stephenson says there is the matter of accreditation approval before proceeding with the concept. Although the former Media Press facility is in need of some renovations, Stephenson said the setting is ideal.

He said some classes could be offered during winter semester of 2010.

"We are very serious about this partnership and will work to expedite this union," he said.