and LMU to discuss partnership

In the spirit of a partnership that spans more than 20 years, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) and Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKCTC) will spend the next year exploring ways to bring diversified educational opportunities to the people of Southeast Kentucky effectively and efficiently.

Dr. W. Bruce Ayers, president of SKCTC, and Dr. Nancy B. Moody, president of LMU, met recently on the SKCTC campus in Cumberland, to lay the groundwork for a year of exploration. The two institutions will look at both program offerings and delivery methods in the coming year.

Currently, LMU offers bachelor degree programming in education and business on SKCTC’s Cumberland Campus. Both are delivered on-site in a traditional delivery format. While instruction will continue to the enrolled students, LMU will temporarily suspend admissions at the Cumberland site this fall.

“Our mission at LMU is to provide educational opportunities to underserved populations,” Moody said. “In accordance with that mission, it is our duty to review the offerings at Southeast and ensure that this partnership is meeting the needs of the students. Our goal is to provide baccalaureate degree programming to the students of Southeast in the most efficient way possible.”

The initial discussions brought forth plans to provide a more fluid approach to program offerings with the possibility of phasing programs in and out based on student demand. The initial program mix will be determined after further study of the needs at the Cumberland site.

“I am excited about being able to address high-demand program needs in this manner,” Ayers said. “Too often, we in higher education are tied to particular programs, and this sometimes keeps us from looking at other alternatives that may be more appropriate.”

Ayers said the changes are being contemplated to include more students while saving the students money as well. “We understand the cost of commuting has escalated, and are looking for ways to help students to spend less.”