UNIVERSITY HERE GOES EXTRA MILES FOR STUDENTS

Last week's summer commencement ceremonies at Southeast Missouri State University produced an interesting story, one that is indicative of the changing nature of higher education today and what a responsible institution does to address the times. Three students collected diplomas for bachelor's degrees without having previously set foot on the Cape Girardeau campus. That this unusual circumstance developed speaks to Southeast's willingness to break away from the traditional conduct of its mission and offer programs that truly serve the region.

The three students were Southeast's first graduates of a nursing degree program coordinated with Three Rivers Community College in Poplar Bluff. The program, called 2+2, allowed the students to complete a two-year associate degree in nursing at Three Rivers, then finish bachelor's degree requirements without leaving Poplar Bluff. In short, the paradigm that necessitates a student's migration to campus has been fractured; in this case, the campus is going to the student. "Everything was brought to us," said one of the students. She was right, and the university was right to do it.

At least one of those who graduated last week admitted that without the 2+2 program, pursuit of a bachelor's degree would have been impossible. That is probably the case for many of the 18 students now enrolled in the program in Poplar Bluff, and the eight expected to be accepted in the fall. Proximity makes all the difference. This is the same philosophy at work with the Bootheel Educational Consortium and the growing program at a Malden campus. An increasing number of non-traditional students are entering college courses in an effort to enhance their educations, their opportunities and their lives. Southeast is working with these students, who are making difficult life choices, to ease their way into an educational environment.

A less flexible institution would not spread its programs out this way. A university not concerned with its regional mission would have stayed within accepted collegiate formats. Were that the case, some who don't live near the Cape Girardeau campus would not have the chance to better themselves educationally. We're pleased Southeast Missouri State lived up to its name and went the extra miles to help its constituency.