By Misty Cryer
Since Southeast New Mexico College transitioned to an independent community college, positive changes have occurred to offer the best educational opportunities to the diverse student body while keeping the needs of the community and local industries in mind. On September 21, Southeast New Mexico College and Western Governors University joined together in a partner signing agreement ceremony at the college. This partnership provides an additional path to higher education and professional development for students and staff of SENMC and will benefit employers as well.
“Southeast New Mexico College is excited about this new collaboration with WGU, said Dr. Kevin Beardmore, President of SENMC. “This partnership extends our mission of providing educational opportunities that best serve our diverse students, community, and industry. At SENMC, we believe that education is an investment in yourself that will pay dividends throughout your lifetime,” he said.
Dr. Beardmore said all of the state universities teach a common set of courses, so there is automatic transferability within the state. “Some of the things that we are signing on that agreement with WGU is understanding how they are going to take our coursework,” he said. In addition to the universities in New Mexico and WGU, he said SENMC has agreements with other universities, such as Texas Tech and Arizona State. Other agreements are in the works.
According to a press release dated September 21, WGU was established in 1997 with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education. The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
“The SENMC and WGU partnership provides a generous and seamless transfer pathway for admission into specific majors at WGU,” the press release states.
“WGU offers more than 80 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and professional certificates online in business, K-12 education, healthcare—including nursing, and information technology,” the press release states.
“WGU is totally designed to deliver this online. It is kind of a unique opportunity because that is the university that is not-for-profit. It was organized by the governors of the western states,” said Dr. Beardmore. “They have always had a focus on serving individuals that are in rural areas. It is a competency-based program. That is rather unique,” he said.
“Tuition is around $4,000 per term for most undergraduate degree programs. Every program is mentor-supported and designed to fit into busy schedules,” the press release states.
The pricing structure described on the WGU website includes flat-rate tuition. “The idea is you pay for your semester, but if you can get through things faster or further in your studies, you can do more and still only pay the single amount,” said Dr. Beardmore.
“As part of the partnership agreement, SENMC graduates and staff are eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partnership scholarships, valued at $2,500, credited at $625 per term for up to four terms. Application fees are also waived for partner organizations. SENMC employees and their dependents are also eligible for tuition reimbursement,” the press release states.
“Having WGU as an option for our students opens access to them for additional scholarship funds through the partnership from WGU; it’s a wonderful thing,” said Dr. Beardmore. “I want to be clear: there are great, wonderful online options here in our state institutions—this is just another option. Because of it being historically a completely online university, for some people—based on their life experiences, what they bring to the table, what they have done—WGU is a great option,” he said.
“Employer’s benefit too, with 98% of employers reporting that the WGU graduates they hired met or exceeded expectations,” the press release states.
“As a university dedicated to expanding access to high quality, affordable education for all, with the ability to learn where you live, we are proud to partner with Southeast New Mexico College,” said Dr. Linda Battles, WGU Regional Vice President, South Region. “Our goal is to expand our community of over 3,500 students and graduates across New Mexico by creating educational pathways and workforce-ready programs that pave the way to rewarding careers and economic growth.”
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