“Partnering with industry leaders allows Southeast the ability to stay connected to what the region needs,” said Dr. Carlos Vargas, president of Southeast Missouri State University. “It helps us to deliver the most relevant and high-quality curriculum in a way that meets the needs of partner employees.”

Dr. Chelsea McNeely, director of SEMO Online agrees, “Forming relationships with those in healthcare, business, industrial, manufacturing, and other fields helps us to better serve our region. Connections with these regional organizations help us continue to provide access to high-quality, affordable education that can be completed online.”

The partnership allows employees at the partner sites get a discounted tuition rate, a company specific webpage, and specialized services within the University. Southeast faculty also have the ability to connect with industry leaders to share knowledge and help inform the curriculum. The two can work together to help address community concerns, request grant funding for the area, and create a highly skilled and trained workforce. 

“Education, training, and workforce development are crucial for the behavioral health field,” said Noble Shaver, executive vice president of administrative services with Family Counseling Center in Kennett. “Partnering with Southeast provides a pathway for communication and collaboration, so organizations can work together to meet the needs of current and future staff. By working in tandem, we can fine tune and create a network of resources that gives students access to Southeast and creates a better prepared workforce for behavioral health.”

FCC Behavioral Health is a privately owned non-profit that provides behavioral health services to the community through a holistic approach to wellness. FCC serves 19 countries in southern Missouri and provides services to over 8,000 clients annually.

Some of Southeast’s other partners in online include St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri; Citiban N.A. in O’Fallon, Missouri; Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri; Owensboro Health Regional Hospital in Owensboro, Kentucky; Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, Missouri; Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla, Missouri; SoutheastHEALTH in Cape Girardeau, Missouri; Saint Francis Healthcare in Cape Girardeau, Missouri; and Perry County Memorial Hospital and TG Missouri, both in Perryville, Missouri.