BELLEFONTE — A regional approach to higher education got another boost Monday when leaders of seven area universities and community colleges unveiled a joint Web site and signed a cooperative agreement to encourage more people to go to college.
The Web site is a way for seven institutions in three states with more than 1,200 academic programs among them to display their offerings in an organized way, said Gregory Adkins, president of Ashland Community and Technical College.
The focus is on enhancing access to higher education, especially for students in the Tri-State area, said Ohio University President Roderick J. McDavis. “Educate the Tri-State is a rising tide,” he said.
The Web site, www.educatethetristate.com, includes links to all seven institutions and search functions for exploring career and academic program options.
Because of the complexity and number of choices, access to higher education remains a challenge to many potential students, said Rita Rice Morris, president of Shawnee State University in Portsmouth.
The Web site serves as recognition of that and attempts to clear a path for students, she said.
Besides links to all seven institutions — ACTC, Shawnee, OU, Morehead State University, Marshall University, Marshall Community and Technical College and Rio Grande Community College — the site includes search functions for career options, degrees and programs, and colleges and universities, explained Charles P. Bird, vice president for University Outreach and Regional Campuses for OU.
For instance, a potential student could search careers by choosing one from a drop-down list and then clicking through to a program of studies and the colleges where they’re offered.
Also, by using the search functions, students may find unexpected options, Bird said. “They may discover things they may not have known about.”
The information is particularly valuable in an area where most of the seven institutions have interlocking tuition reciprocity and transfer agreements, and where more such agreements are in the works.
Other links go to information about financial aid and other essential information.
The site will enable students to determine which institution will meet their needs and how well, said MSU Provost Michael Moore.
The site, while up and running, is a work in progress, said Joe Nilles, ACTC’s webmaster. Further development will be done with input from area high school guidance counselors among others, he said.
It should be fully functional by spring, he said.
The Web site and the gathering are part of the multiversity concept of numerous constituent and affiliated institutions such as separate colleges, campuses and research centers, with a goal of enhancing educational opportunities in the region.
The cooperative spirit is essential in the global economy because a competent workforce has to be homegrown, said Marshall President Stephen Kopp.
MIKE JAMES can be reached at mjames@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2652.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Kevin Goldy
Discussion
College leaders meet to unveil joint Web site
- Local News
-
-
Shepherd hopes to make ruling Tuesday
A Franklin circuit judge said Monday he hopes to issue a ruling by Tuesday on some lawmakers’ challenge to a state legislative redistricting plan passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear.
-
SLIDESHOW: Giants beat Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI
The New York Giants won their fourth Super Bowl and eighth NFL championship Sunday in Indianapolis, scoring in the final minute to defeat New England 21-17.
-
APD receives various theft reports
The following information was taken from Ashland Police Department reports:
-
Russell team takes rival in regional
Russell Middle School academic team coach John VanHoose said everyone was feeling the pressure from season-long rivals Verity Middle School as members worked to claim top scores during Saturday’s Region 18 Middle School Governor’s Cup competition.
-
Family traditions
Ralph Stanley II doesn’t complain when people talk about his daddy.
-
KSP trooper to perform in tribute concert
A Kentucky State Police trooper will trade his gray uniform for a sequined white jumpsuit next month to raise money to assist a cancer patient and several other causes.
-
What's happening: 2/6/12
The Kyova branch of the Boyd County Public Librart will host the Tax-Aide Program, conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons, from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays.
-
Spirit strong for community event
Ashland’s Community Souper Bowl Party was so spirited, many in the crowd didn’t even realize there was a football game on the big screen.
-
Old union hall wall gives way
City workers in Catlettsburg were called to an emergency situation a few minutes before kickoff of the Super Bowl on Sunday when the front wall of an old union hall collapsed onto Main Street, according to Mayor Randal Peterman.
-
Mom, daughter share Scouting experience
After 13 years with the Girl Scouts, Chrissy Moore said she still likes to wear her vest, and she’s particularly proud of the patches and badges she’s collected.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Shepherd hopes to make ruling Tuesday
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
Killer of Fla. Girl Found in Landfill Gets Life
