COLLEGE PARTNERS

Southeast Missouri State University and Three Rivers Community College have formed a partnership to better serve higher education needs in the region.

In a rather unusual move, all 120 employees of the Poplar Bluff community college -- from the president to custodians -- traveled to the Southeast campus this week. You have to admire their gumption.

Southeast's new president, Dr. Dale Nitzschke, stood at the front door of the University Center to personally shake the hands of the Three Rivers guests.

Over the last few years, there has been a growing academic relationship between the two schools in many degree programs. Three Rivers is the closest community college to Southeast.

Last fall, Three Rivers enrolled just over 2,300 students, of which 2,100 were full-time equivalent. A number of those students will transfer their two-year programs to Southeast's four-year degrees.

As one of their areas of cooperation, both Three Rivers and Southeast offer classes at the Bootheel Education Center in Malden.

By working together, the institutions can maximize the number of hours that can transfer. Three Rivers can also help Southeast fulfill a growing call for more technology-based career programs here.

Dr. Steve Poort, Three Rivers' president, makes a good point: It's easier to telephone a friend rather than a stranger. Poort hopes that Southeast employees will visit the Poplar Bluff school in the future. It would be a worthwhile trip.

In an era of limited government funding, it makes sense for public institutions of higher learning to combine resources rather than needlessly duplicate services.

The trend of seamless education has blurred the lines between educational institutions. The goal is for students to easily move from high school to community college to four-year schools or vocational schools.