DSCC, U of M collaborate for programs

The Messenger 05.09.08

Collaboration between Dyersburg State Community College and the University of Memphis will enable students to earn bachelor’s degrees in education and nursing by attending the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County.
Students’ associate degree-level classes will be offered through DSCC and their bachelor’s-level courses will be offered through the U of M.
The new “2+2” program, which will begin this fall, was recently announced by the presidents of the two Tennessee Board of Regents campuses, Dr. Karen Bowyer of DSCC and Dr. Shirley Raines of the U of M.
“This program will address two critical issues,” Dr. Raines said. “It will give students throughout West Tennessee greater access to higher education and it will help relieve a critical shortage of nurses in the state of Tennessee.”
Dr. Bowyer said of the program, “Many DSCC associate degree graduates never reach their next goal of earning a baccalaureate degree because of problems with transportation and time. The availability of the bachelor’s degrees in nursing and teacher education will allow many students to achieve their dreams.”
Dr. Mary Ransdell, clinical professor at the U of M’s Millington Center, will be the lead faculty and clinical experience supervisor for the education students. The associate of science in teaching (AST) K-6 degree work will be overseen by Dr. Kay Patterson, DSCC’s dean of arts and science.
Dyersburg State’s interim director of nursing Dr. Faye Sigman will oversee the DSCC associate degree nursing program. As nearly 80 students receive their associate degrees in nursing from Dyersburg State each year, the nursing division of the 2+2 program has the potential to grow to an enrollment of 160 students.
Nursing students’ clinical rotation will be conducted at healthcare facilities in West Tennessee. The program will be limited by clinical opportunities and lecture space.

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