CARTERVILLE - A western Kentucky university has made tremendous strides in the recruitment of students from Southern Illinois.

Mid-Continent University of Mayfield, Ky., is offering bachelor's degrees in business management through its ADVANTAGE program and has partnered with several community colleges in the region, including Rend Lake, Southeastern Illinois, Shawnee and John A. Logan.

Last year, 85 students from the area obtained a bachelor's degree from Mid-Continent by attending upper-level courses once a week at their local community colleges. Another 70 will graduate next month, including 46 from John A. Logan College in its first year of participation with the university; 13 from Rend Lake and 11 more from Southeastern.

"It's a great opportunity for our students," said Steve O'Keefe, director of community relations and marketing at John A. Logan College. "So many people have a lot to balance in life - from working a job and managing a family to seeking a college education. Mid-Continent has worked hard to get into the community colleges. Their advisers meet with the students to set up a program for them and provide a good, quality education in a reasonable amount of time."

Jackie Imhoff, vice president of adult programs at Mid-Continent University, said the university removed the geographical barrier for Southern Illinoisans by organizing classes at the community colleges.

"We also overcame the barrier of scheduling difficulties by offering classes in the evenings one night a week," Imhoff said. "That really makes things work for a lot of people. We're also the most affordable private college in the state of Kentucky."

Imhoff said most students are adults who may have been out of college for years and are attempting to revisit their dreams by achieving a bachelor's degree. While some are looking to re-enter the job market, others are looking to beef up their credentials and "stabilize their future through education."

For more information, contact Mid-Continent University at (888) 628-4723; visit the university's Web site at www.midcontinent.edu; or contact local admissions representative, Stephani Borders at sborders@midcontinent.edu.

Interested individuals are invited to attend information sessions between 5 and 7 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Illinois Centre mall in Marion or Dec. 8 at the JALC main campus dining room annex.

john.homan@thesouthern.com

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