Tech, Motlow offer local students four-year degree

Tennessee Technological University?s 2+2 program, in partnership with Motlow State Community College, equals one great way to train new educators in light of a growing teacher shortage. A graduation recognition ceremony was recently held at the Tennessee Technology Center in honor of the first graduates earning a Bachelor of Science degree through this innovative program here in McMinnville. The partnership allows students from Warren and surrounding counties to pursue a four-year degree conveniently in their own backyard without having to travel to Cookeville.

The 2+2 program offers students an opportunity to earn a degree in elementary education from Tennessee Tech by providing university instruction and resources at participating community colleges. TTU has similar partnerships across the state, including the Motlow campus in Tullahoma, Chattanooga State Technical Community College, Pellissippi State Community College and Roane State Community College. The program is designed to mirror the quality of TTU on-campus classes while increasing accessibility.

Thirteen local students earned their two-year Associate of Science degree attending classes at the Motlow McMinnville campus and then continued their junior and senior level classes in McMinnville through courses offered by Tennessee Tech to earn bachelor degrees. As the program gains in popularity, this upcoming fall 20 students will be enrolled in senior courses and an estimated 25 students will begin the junior year.

According to Janie Robbins, Associate Director for Tennessee Tech?s School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Extended Education, and coordinator of the local program, ?It is truly a collaborative effort involving Tennessee Tech, Motlow, the Technology Center, and K-12 school systems. The upper level education classes are taught by TTU faculty, utilizing dedicated classroom space at Motlow College. The Tennessee Technology Center provides office and library space and K-12 school systems allow students to be placed in their schools to complete student teacher requirements. The 2+2 program would not have been possible without the cooperation of our local partners in education.?

Dr. Darrell Garber, Dean of the College of Education, and Dr. Susan Elkins, Dean of the School of Interdisciplinary Studies and Extended Education, at TTU attended the celebration to honor the students and congratulate them on their achievements. Also present representing partner institutions were Melody Edmonds, director of the Motlow McMinnville Center; Marvin Lusk, assistant director of the Tennessee Technology Center; and Dr. Jerry Hale, director of Warren County Schools.

Jamie Haston, one of the graduates, stated, “This has been a wonderful educational experience for me and my family. Without this partnership, I would have never been able to earn a four-year degree and pursue my goal of being a teacher.?

“This program will be an excellent feeder for our school system to fill new and vacated teaching positions,” Dr. Hale noted. Each of the graduates will now be making contacts for job opportunities in local school systems.