Springfield, Mo. — State legislators, university administration members and representatives from higher education departments gathered on July 27 in Plaster Student Union on Missouri State University’s campus to discuss the merits of Senator Pearce’s Senate Bill 997 for Missouri students.
The state officials joining in the discussion were Sen. David Pearce, R-Warrensburg, Brian Fogle, chairman of the State Coordinating Board for Higher Education (CBHE) and Leroy Wade, interim commissioner of the Department of Higher Education (DHE). The academic panelists included MSU President Clif Smart, Missouri Southern State University President Alan Marble, Ozarks Technical College’s (OTC) Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Steve Bishop and Jennifer Methvin, president of Crowder College.
While many topics relating to educational access, equality and encouragement were discussed, the central theme of the event was SB 997. The legislation, which was signed into law by the governor on June 16, will enact multiple provisions relating to financial aid, dual credit opportunities for high school students and various programs to help keep college students motivated and on track to graduate.
“We all know that higher education is transformational,” said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Pearce. “We are trying to do what we can to ensure that as many students as possible who enter our schools will successfully graduate or earn a certificate. I think Senate Bill 997 will help them achieve that goal.”
The legislation was largely patterned after the CBHE’s “Blueprint for Higher Education,” which focuses on improving Missouri colleges’ and universities’ affordability, ease of access and overall quality.
“For Missouri to move forward, we need a more educated workforce,” said Brian Fogle, CBHE chairman. “But even more importantly, we need a more educated citizenry, and that’s what the coordinating board is working toward.”
One of the specific measures contained within the bill authorizes the CBHE to approve certain institutions as dual credit providers so high school students can simultaneously earn college credit. Another provision establishes the “Guided Pathways to Success Act,” which helps college students more accurately plot their academic courses through personal advising and more transparent degree programs. Under the bill, the Coordinating Board must also publish and maintain a list of higher education institutions on its website, for the benefit of current and prospective students and their families.
“Programs like Guided Pathways are incredibly important and will help our universities shift from a focus of enrollment to one of completion,” said Steve Bishop of OTC. “And with the aggregation of information of the Board’s website, it will be critical at helping our students be prepared.”
In addition to helping students understand the requirements of their programs, SB 997 features multiple other provisions that will benefit Missouri students and families. One measure will expand access into higher education for spouses and children of military members who have been injured or killed in battle. The Wartime Veteran’s Survivor Grant program awards 25 grants to survivors of Missouri military members in the form of annual tuition aid. The program will run through August of 2020, with the option for renewal. Another program authorized by SB 997 allows students to enroll in two- and four-year institutions simultaneously, helping them to achieve a degree as efficiently as possible. For more information on the bill, and a complete listing of its provisions, please visit www.senate.mo.gov/legislation.
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