Construction feasible for Three Rivers campus in Sikeston

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers College, speaks to area residents Tuesday. The college is forming a Regional President's Advisory Committee as it embarks on a fundraising campaign for an Eastern Campus site at Sikeston as well as a new classroom building at its Poplar Bluff. Jill Bock, staff

SIKESTON -- Groundwork by officials from Three Rivers College shows construction of an Eastern Campus at Sikeston is feasible. Next is a funding campaign for the building.

Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers, presented the findings from a feasibility study to about three dozen area residents Tuesday.

"Sikeston is very important to us," Stephenson told the group, explaining students studying at the Sikeston location comprise 9.2 percent of the college's enrollment. However, Stephenson added, the current facility is at capacity.

The college president said what residents are telling them is that in order for the region to grow, it needs to recruit industry and provide a qualified pool of workers and they want the college's help in doing this. "But to be an effective partner, we have to have more room," he said.

The college has already received a donation of land at the intersection of Highways 60 and 61 at the south edge of Sikeston.

In presenting the findings by The Clements Group, Stephenson said in the interviews with individuals who participated in community summits as well as community leaders and board members, respondents overall found the college to be accessible, affordable and relevant. He was pleased by the college's growing reputation for its responsive service to community needs.

However, there are challenges for Three Rivers to overcome, including a need to become more visible in the community. Those interviewed indicated the public needs to be aware of the college's programs, missions and contributions locally.

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