When employees have the opportunity to grow, businesses and communities grow with them. That’s the purpose behind a new corporate partnership between Southeast Missouri State University and Prairie Farms Family of Companies to make higher education more accessible and create pathways for employees and their families.
SEMO and Prairie Farms signed the agreement during a ceremony today, Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Prairie Farms’ headquarters in Edwardsville, Illinois.
“SEMO is on a mission to align our academics with workforce needs, expanding opportunity for students and deepening our connections with partners like Prairie Farms,” said SEMO President Dr. Brad Hodson. “This partnership will benefit Prairie Farms with access to exceptional, affordable education and training. It’s also an opportunity for SEMO’s students to benefit as the University partners with corporations and organizations who power the region’s workforce.”
“As a SEMO alum, I’ve been proud that our company has been a long-time supporter of the University,” said Prairie Farms CEO Matt McClelland. “I’m excited to now expand that partnership to offer our farmer-owners, employees and their families a valuable education benefit, work with the University on professional development, and have a direct connection to SEMO’s career-ready students.”
SEMO’s corporate partnership program gives organizations access to resources such as reduced tuition employee benefits, training that aligns with business needs, professional meeting space, and a talent pipeline for co-ops, internships, and full-time employment
Employees interested in learning more about the Prairie Farms partnership and SEMO’s degree programs can visit semo.edu/apply.