Three Rivers wants to be 'full partner' with Southeast

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Rivers Community College trustees have authorized the college president and the board chairman to express the desire to become an equal collaborator in offering two-year degrees with Southeast Missouri State University, Mineral Area College and the Cape Girardeau Career and Technology Center.

"We wish to be [considered] a full partner" when a proposal is made by the Cape Girardeau coalition to the Coordinating Board for Higher Education, said trustee Marion Tibbs, following an executive session at the board meeting Thursday.

The coalition, a group of 11 business and education leaders, has been meeting since 2007 to address higher education needs in the Cape Girardeau area.

Three Rivers president Dr. Devin Stephenson made a proposal to the coalition Wednesday to open an extended learning center by January.

In an alternate proposal, Southeast University president Dr. Ken Dobbins offered to open a center near West Park Mall in partnership with Mineral Area of Park Hills by fall of 2010.

The final recommendation to Missouri's higher education commissioner will be made by the coalition within 30 days.