2+2 program adds up to graduates

Both Motlow Community College and Tennessee Tech officials were on hand Tuesday night at the Technology Center as a baker’s dozen of students received their four-year college degrees in education due to a cooperative program between the two facilities. A group of 14 students graduated, but one was unable to attend the ceremony.

Called the 2+2 program, the curriculum allows students to complete their first two years at Motlow and their last two years as a Tennessee Tech student while still attending classes here on the Motlow campus. The program started in the fall quarter of 2004. Dr. Nancy Kolodziej and Dr. Debra Watlington are the instructors.

Those attending the graduation ceremony included Dr. Larry Peach, dean of the TTU College of Education, Susan A. Elkins, VP, and Janie Robbins, associate director, of TTU Extended Programs and Regional Development, Motlow president Dr. MaryLou Apple, local Motlow campus director Melody Edmonds, and Warren County Director of Schools Dr. Jerry Hale.

Peach says it’s rewarding to be able to provide this educational opportunity to students who might not be able to get their degree otherwise.

‘It’s an exciting time in that it provides an opportunity for what we might refer to as our non-traditional students to gain their degrees and help to meet the educational needs of their community,’ Peach said.

Elkins says both schools have been impressed with the success of 2+2.

‘We have just been delighted to see the growth in the program,’ Elkins added. ‘We started out relatively small and it’s been very successful for both Motlow and Tennessee Tech. The best thing is that many of these students are being employed right here in the county school system, at home, and it’s really been a win-win for everybody involved.’

Dr. Hale agreed.

‘Anytime you can have a program like this, especially one that is as locally based as possible, it’s an asset for the county,’ Hale said. ‘It gives us a good source for future teachers in the system. We don’t get all of them, some end up going to Coffee or White County or some others, but we’ve hired several of the graduates in the past. It’s good program and they seem to come out well prepared for the classroom. It’s been a positive thing for the county. We just wish they’d expand beyond elementary education and add more endorsements to it.’

Dr. Apple talked about the importance of the partnership between the schools.

‘This is always an exciting time for me,’ Apple said. ‘Because it’s the culmination of getting the two-year college and the four-year university together to see what they can do for the community. It’s exciting to know many of these graduates are going to be working in our community which is going to help our children and our future.’