Meramec has many benefits that some universities can’t always offer its students.
By: Tim Doty
Copy Editor
As the NBC comedy series “Community” shows its viewers, community colleges are not always as prestigious as the universities. While attending universities may be the desire of many students during and after high school, some may not achieve this goal due to grades, financial difficulties, etc. These individuals may still want to explore other options, but some choose to attend a community college. One of the more popular choices for students in the St. Louis area is STLCC-Meramec.
Though ridiculed by those who are not in attendance, sometimes called KU (Kirkwood University) or USC (University of South County), this institution of higher learning is a legitimate establishment catering higher educational needs to students from all backgrounds.
“People try to describe colleges and universities by the buildings, but it’s more than that. Meramec provides a learning opportunity to its students,” said George Wasson, vice president of academic affairs, and acting president until August 2010.
Meramec has many benefits that some universities can’t always offer its students.
“Some of the great benefits of Meramec are location, small classes and the ability to take classes from faculty committed to the student,” said Wasson. “There’s also the cost benefit in this economy.”
According to Paul Nygard, Ph.D., American history professor at Meramec and St. Louis University, motivation and diligence from the pupils are just as high at Meramec as at universities.
“In terms of the students at Meramec, the motivation is remarkably similar,” said Nygard.
“You see 100 students in the history lecture at Meramec. I never saw that at SLU. The enthusiasm is similar between the Meramec students and university students.”
Wasson said that students can earn a variety of degrees from STLCC-Meramec that transfer to most four-year universities in Missouri and across the U.S. Students looking to simply find a better career may want to earn a Certificate of Proficiency.
Students who have already earned a master’s or bachelor’s degree in one field may want to attend Meramec to obtain an associate degree in a wide array of other subjects.
“About 3500 students per year at Meramec come from four-year universities because they change their educational goals. Students come here after earning a four-year degree to upgrade or update their skills,” said Wasson.
For students interested in transferring, Wasson said that students have the ability to transfer general education to not just other colleges and universities in Missouri but all over the country.
In order to succeed at Meramec, Wasson said, “There are a number of services for the student, such as the Academic Support Center and the writing and math labs.”
Wasson previously taught economics at Meramec for 20 years. Before that, he was a part-time instructor at the University of Indiana. He said that the experience helped him “relate to students and faculty.”
“Read your syllabus, listen to your instructor, and find out what’s expected of you,” said Wasson.
Students may be recent high school graduates, previously stay-at-home moms looking to earn a Certificate of Proficiency, or a recently laid-off worker who wants a new start in life.
“Meramec is a learning community made up of many diverse neighborhoods. Learning opportunities here meet the needs of many students from different walks of life,” said Wasson.
