Photo: WDOC

On Monday, April 16, 2018, Big Sandy Community and Technical College and Bellevue University held a ribbon cutting ceremony for their new partnership. Mayor Les Stapleton spoke on the opportunity that the collaboration offers students in the area to be able to get their Associate’s degree through Big Sandy, then transition to a four-year degree online with Bellevue. Todd Lardinoit, director of enrollment initiatives and market development for development, said they look at bringing their curriculum to different regions based on what educational opportunities they can offer the area. He added that BSCTC felt unique in their focus on students. Savannah Castle, relationship manager with Bellevue University, spoke on the main goal of the partnership being degree completion. BSCTC President Dr. Sherry Zylka added the collaboration will also increase the appeal of the area economically.