Southeast Missouri State University and Saint Francis Healthcare System are expanding their longstanding relationship with a new Pinnacle Corporate Partnership. The Partnership is designed to make higher education more accessible for Saint Francis employees and their families while supporting the region’s health care workforce.
The organizations formally established the partnership during a signing ceremony Friday, October 23, at Saint Francis Healthcare System in Cape Girardeau.
“Saint Francis Healthcare System has been an important partner in preparing health care professionals for our region and providing critical hands-on experience for our students,” said SEMO President Dr. Brad Hodson. “This partnership builds on that relationship by creating new opportunities for Saint Francis employees and their families to pursue a SEMO education. We are proud to work alongside an organization that shares our commitment to the people and communities of this region.”
“The Pinnacle Corporate Partnership reflects the kind of relationship Saint Francis is building with regional partners,” said Justin Davison, President and Chief Executive Officer of Saint Francis Healthcare System. “Together with Southeast Missouri State University, we can strengthen the regional workforce and also create more affordable pathways to higher and allied health education for Saint Francis colleagues.”
The partnership builds on a relationship between SEMO and Saint Francis that has included educational opportunities for health care professionals. The organizations have previously collaborated on programs designed to help health care employees advance their education, including SEMO’s Bachelor of Applied Science in allied health, which provides a flexible pathway for professionals in medical imaging and related fields.
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.
For more information about the Saint Francis Healthcare System partnership, visit semo.edu/corporate-partnerships.