Menu
TRCC president speaks about role in community
SIKESTON - Dr. John Cooper, president of Three Rivers Community College, describes community colleges as a four-legged stool in education and notes TRCC is sitting comfortably in its role.
Cooper, who was the guest speaker for the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, spoke about the role of the community college in the United States and, in particular, Sikeston.
The first leg of the stool, Cooper said, is providing the first two years of a college education. A student attending Three Rivers, he said, has access to the same basic classes offered at all colleges and universities yet at an affordable cost.
The second leg is fulfilling its technical mission of offering programs enabling students to receive occupational training.
Developmental programs, from providing refresher courses to those who have been out of the classroom setting to working closely with students to ensure their success, comprise the third leg of the stool, according to Cooper. "We go that extra mile to bring them up to speed so they can succeed," said Cooper about TRCC.
The final leg of Cooper's stool involved customized training for business and industry. He pointed out the college has worked closely with area businesses to provide resources and classes over the past several years.
Touching on TRCC's involvement with Southeast Missouri State University, Cooper said when the two educational institutions began working together at the Crisp Center in Malden it was a national model for cooperation between a community college and a regional university. Later SEMO invited TRCC to assist at the higher education centers in Kennett and Sikeston.
"We have been a vital part of the education success in Southeast Missouri," he added.
According to Cooper, TRCC contributed thousands of dollars in equipment and services at the Sikeston Area Higher Education Center. Also he said TRCC's open admission's policy has provided more Southeast Missouri residents with access to educational opportunities.
"Open admissions policy doesn't mean we lower quality," he said. "We will help you in all ways we can to help you succeed."
But, he said, actions by SEMO earlier this year, forced TRCC out of their cooperative role at SAHEC. Because the University began duplicating courses available through TRCC, he said his college has filed an appeal.
Also he said TRCC has filed a lawsuit against SEMO, claiming the University violated their agreement for TRCC to be at the Centers.
Stating that TRCC did not want to abandon the students its served through SAHEC, he explained TRCC is now operating its own center in Sikeston. The nine-classroom facility is located at 103 Kathleen St.
Enrollment in Sikeston is 206 students and expected to continue to go up, Cooper said. Also, he pointed out, enrollment at TRCC's Poplar Bluff campus is now at an all time high.
Cooper concluded his presentation with an invitation for Chamber members to tour the Sikeston facility.
Missy Marshall, SACC executive director, announced the Home Tours sponsored by the Sikeston Depot will be Dec. 4, with tours of four local homes planned and a reception at the Depot.
The next Chamber meeting will be Dec. 15 at the Raudmont Inn.