By Staff
Aug. 10, 2003
The agreement announced last week between Meridian Community College and Mississippi State University is tangible evidence that the new Riley Education and Performing Arts Center has tremendous educational value. The new program will allow students in the broadcast program at MCC to earn their associate's degrees then continue toward a bachelor's degrees in communications at MSU-Meridian Campus.
Educators refer to this sort of program as a two-plus-two arrangement in this case, two years at MCC then two years at MSU-Meridian Campus. But the fundamental message is that these two fine educational institutions are cooperating in a real partnership that offers an opportunity to area students that did not previously exist.
MSU President Charles Lee, on hand for the ceremony in Meridian, said, "We're all in the same business providing the very best educational opportunity to the people of this area." His thoughts were echoed by Nick Nichols, dean of the MSU-Meridian Campus and Scott Elliott, president of MCC.
Elliott went a step further, noting that the new program will allow students to focus not only on the technical aspects of the broadcast industry but also prepare for managerial positions in the industry. He also noted the cooperative aspects.
This new MCC-MSU partnership is the first of a number of academic programs that eventually will be available to students as the Riley Center is developed. Lee also announced that MSU intends to seek renovation bids no later than the end of the year and that the project should be completed by fall 2005.
In the meantime, beginning this fall, students will be able to begin their studies in MCC's broadcasting program with an eye toward transferring to MSU-Meridian Campus to complete their undergraduate degrees.
This is an excellent example of innovative thinking, the very model of creative, new educational partnerships that add tremendous value to the cause of higher education in Mississippi.