Nine women were the first students to receive their bachelor’s degrees in education through a joint program by Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas and Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia.
The students, who completed all of their upper level course work at CCCUA’s sites in De Queen and Nashville, were honored at a reception on the Cossatot campus and participated in commencement exercises on the SAU campus.
SAU offered the education classes on Cossatot campuses by utilizing adjunct instructors, Internet classes, and interactive television.
All of the students agreed that having the courses available locally made it possible for them to earn a degree while juggling family and work responsibilities.
“These women are heroines for their ability to earn a degree while caring for their families,” said Dr. Marlene Reed, director of the program.
Robbie McKelvy, a CCCUA division chair, was instrumental in organizing the program and coordinating course work with SAU.
All students were considered non-traditional students. The graduates cited a variety of circumstances that would have caused traditional students to drop out, but remarked that the program was set up specifically to work with students who have families.
Three of the students graduated with a perfect 4.0 grade point average, and all nine graduated from SAU with honors.
“All of the students have passed the pre-licensing PRAXIS 2 test on their first attempt, a first in the state,” said Reed.
All agreed that without the agreement between CCCUA and SAU to bring the bachelor’s-level instruction to the area, none of them would be poised to become teachers. All said they want to continue to live and work in southwest Arkansas.
The students include:
From Cove, Shana Sellers.
From De Queen, Stacy Vance and Connie Vines.
From Lockesburg, Jessica Plunk Brower and Rose Winer.
From Mena, Sarah Wagner.
From Murfreesboro, Tasha Allmon and Tammy Griffith.
From Nasvhille, Brandy Cook Wilson.
