Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: Missouri Baptist College Expands into Franklin County
Missouri Baptist College Expands into Franklin County
January 11, 2000
“St. Louisans are hesitant to teach out here,” states Thornsberry, Superintendent of Sullivan C-2 Schools, concerning the attempt to draw first-year teachers to the Franklin County area. The District reports a low turnout of teachers wishing to fill positions such as English, usually in ample supply for the industry. This shortage follows the worst-ever recruiting year for the district, forcing already scarce positions, such as science and math, into even greater demand.
Compounding poor recruitment levels with continued high-rate growth from west St. Louis, and the shortages reach hazardous levels. These issues make the recent growth bittersweet for an entire stretch of I-44 from Eureka to Bourbon, Missouri.
In 1998 a group of area superintendents decided to take a proactive approach to the impending teacher shortage and began talks with Missouri Baptist College in hopes of providing an accredited extension center in the area. “MBC has been very helpful in listening to our concerns,” states Thornsberry, “It is refreshing to have someone sit down and listen to us as superintendents.”
During the discussions the superintendents and principals stressed their need for teacher education in the areas of math, science, and special education. MBC provides approved programs in all of these areas, and boasts one of the best education departments in the state. Education students repeatedly pass the required state Praxis exam with a 99% success rate. The College has also been recognized as one of America’s Best Christian Colleges for its superior standing among all Christian peer institutions.
In the fall of 1999 MBC opened the extension in Pacific/St. Clair, offering teacher education courses leading to a Bachelor of Science in Education in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. Through this program, students are able to earn the Bachelor of Science in Education degree in two years by attending evening classes twice a week.
There are plans to add courses in computer studies, nursing, and human services. Dr. Roberta Ross-Fisher, Dean of Pacific/St. Clair, states that additional classes will be provided based on demand. “We have had quite a bit of interest in coursework outside of teacher education, although it still remains the most requested major” states Ross-Fisher. “I feel strongly that Missouri Baptist College can offer a real service to the Franklin County area. It feels good to know that we are helping to have a positive impact.
Classes for the spring semester begin January 10, 2000, with registration continuing until January 17. Tuition at the St. Clair extension is $135 per credit hour. For more information call Dr. Ross-Fisher at (636) 629-4111. Missouri Baptist College also provides extension centers in Troy/Wentzville, Missouri, and Jefferson County, Missouri, in addition to the main West County Campus.
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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