SBU, Three Rivers sign agreements
BOLIVAR – Southwest Baptist University (SBU) of Bolivar and Three Rivers Community College of Poplar Bluff have teamed up to provide expanded education opportunities for students in Southeast Missouri.
Through a new agreement between SBU and Three Rivers, students may now begin their education at Three Rivers, earning an associate degree and then transfer to SBU to complete one of three different SBU bachelor of science degrees. The new agreement creates pathways for students to earn bachelor of science degrees in business administration, human services and elementary education certification.
According to Three Rivers Executive Vice President Larry Kimbrow, Three Rivers’ students can complete an associate of science degree in the coordinating programs and will have a seamless pathway in programs at SBU. The agreement includes courses taught at Three Rivers’ main campus in Poplar Bluff and centers and sites throughout Southeast Missouri as well as completion courses at SBU’s campus in Bolivar and campuses in Mountain View and Salem.
“SBU is excited to work with the students at Three Rivers Community College,” said David Whitlock, SBU’s associate provost, dean of graduate and off-campus studies, and dean of the College of Business and Computer Science. “Three Rivers is one of the most progressive community colleges in this part of the United States and their students are well-prepared for study at SBU. SBU programs offered through our campuses in Mountain View and Salem and online are well-suited to meet the needs of Three Rivers’ graduates. From business administration to education and human services, SBU is ready to assist students in completing their bachelor’s degree.”
“This joint project between Three Rivers and Southwest Baptist University helps create greater education opportunities for students of our service region,” Kimbrow said. “Students can now take advantage of the convenience and affordability of beginning their education at Three Rivers, and make the transition to the quality bachelor degree programs at Southwest Baptist. We are excited about this partnership. Our goal continues to be to offer paths for Southeast Missourians to create better lives for themselves and their families and to strengthen our communities.”
Representatives from SBU traveled to Poplar Bluff to meet with Three Rivers’ officials to confirm details of the cooperative program and sign the official articulation agreements. Participating in the signing were: SBU Provost Gordon Dutile, Whitlock, and Linda Wooderson, dean of the Lewis E. Schollian College of Education and Social Sciences as well as Kimbrow, Brad Barwick, chairman of the Three Rivers Business and Social Science Division, and Terri Smith, business instructor at Three Rivers.
SBU is an evangelical Christian university that offers an affordable, liberal arts education.
Three Rivers Community College is celebrating four decades of excellence and service to Southeast Missouri with accessible, affordable and quality learning opportunities.