FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 03/20/07

K.C. President Dr. James Underwood announced that Greenville College will be the recipient of the 2007 Kaskaskia College Partnership of the Year Award. Greenville College will be recognized at the K.C. faculty and staff awards banquet on May 1.

This will be the first time the K.C. partnership award is presented.

Underwood commented that in the past K.C. has asked universities and colleges to step forward to bring educational opportunities to main campuses and other sites. "That's important to pursue lifelong learning," the president said.

According to Underwood, Greenville College was the first one "to step forward in this effort." The teacher education and GOAL programs are two examples of G.C. working with Kaskaskia College.

President Underwood reported that eventually K.C. created a center in Greenville and the two colleges continue to coordinate programs, with no duplication.

"As we grow and develop in this area, we want to do so in a stronger effort with Greenville College," Underwood said.

Dr. Dave Holden from Greenville College said the partnership has presented the students in the area with a "win-win situation."

Jim Beasley, Kaskaskia College board chairman, commented, "I'm thrilled with Greenville College getting the first Partnership Award. Without partners, we (Kaskaskia College) wouldn't be where we are today."

President Underwood reported that the colleges are working on an inverse degree program in the applied sciences. He said this would allow a student to do work on their major during the first two years at Kaskaskia College, and in the second two years they could take electives and general education courses at Greenville.

Underwood said he has discussed the idea with a few G.C. representatives and they believe it has some potential. "The (Greenville College officials) are receptive to it. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for students," Underwood stated.