It’s now possible to earn a four-year degree in agriculture without leaving the area.
Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale have entered into a new partnership designed to expand access to affordable, high-quality agricultural bachelor’s degree options.
At the signing ceremony Tuesday at the John Cavaletto Agriculture building, KC President George Evans thanked SIU for joining them in thinking outside the box.
“It’s a great opportunity for our students,” Evans said. “For individuals to come to this institution, learn from our faculty and achieve an associate’s degree in agriculture or agronomy and transfer to SIU, which is a level one research facility, one of three in the state of Illinois, and not have to leave the region. To attend courses here and earn their transcript under the flagship of SIU, under the tutelage of SIU leaders and faculty. It’s the evolution of higher education.”
SIU Chancellor Austin Lane says this partnership demonstrates what is possible when institutions work together with a shared commitment to student success and regional growth.
“The program will be seamless,” Lane said. “The facilities that are here at Kaskaskia are second to none. When you think about pairing our faculty with the faculty that’s here and the amount of intellect and knowledge around agriculture, it’s going to be a game changer for our students.”
The Dean of SIU’s College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences Kristina Boone says there is a shortage to fill current openings.
“The number one issue in the agricultural industry right now is workforce and the lack of workforce,” Boone said. “This is something that’s really important for us to be able to do, is develop our workforce in agriculture. This innovative partnership really allows us to do that in an accessible and affordable way that also provides an excellent education.”
Evans see potential for Kaskaskia College being involved in similar programs in other fields.
“I hope we’re back here every year offering 25 different options, because in my mind… this is an absolute no brainer,” Evans said. “We want to keep students in Illinois, we want to keep students attending our universities, going back to raise their families and staying in the region.”
The initial bachelor’s degree programs will be in Agribusiness Economics and Agricultural Systems and Education.
Under the program, some SIU professors will travel to Kaskaskia for coursework, while some will be delivered online.
Students interested in learning more or applying for one of the available agricultural bachelor’s degree pathways, may contact info@kaskaskia.edu.
