Three Rivers expects $1.3 million in revenue from off-campus sites

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Three Rivers College expects to see more than $1.3 million in revenue from its five off campus sites this fiscal year, as officials make plans to establish a presence in additional locations.

The information was given to the board of trustees during Thursday's monthly meeting. It was also among the items discussed in 39 hours of budget hearings held to date. A board retreat will be held Friday to discuss the 2011 budget draft. A budget is expected to be approved in June.

"We can present some hard and fast numbers that help you see we are indeed providing opportunities to help meet the needs of citizens in rural areas and it is producing a significant revenue stream back to the college," said President Dr. Devin Stephenson.

Vice President for Learning Dr. Wesley Payne reported the college will see about $1.9 million in combined tuition from sites at Kennett, Sikeston, Malden, Dexter and Cape Girardeau. Expenses at those facilities total almost $600,000.

"Even the Dexter Center, which is brand new, is better than break even," Payne said. "I think this shows why it is important to reach out to nondistrict areas and have a presence there."

Revenue after expenses in FY11 to date is expected to be approximately: Kennett $314,000; Sikeston $654,000; Malden $175,000; Dexter $18,000; and Cape Girardeau $188,000. Enrollment numbers were not available at press time.

Classes at the Dexter Center began in January.

"This is not just worthwhile on the part of the mission, but it makes financial sense," Payne said.

The college is working now to expand opportunities in Piedmont and Van Buren through computing centers.

Three Rivers was able to request an additional $142,350 grant from the Broadband Technologies Opportunities Program after another participant dropped out. The college was already awarded $564,000 from the program to fund public computing centers in Poplar Bluff, Malden, Sikeston and Kennett.

The Piedmont lab would include 30 computers and monitors and be used for continuing education instruction.

In Carter County, a lab is expected to open at the Van Buren High School in the fall.

The success of off campus sites is one component among the many being considered as the administrators construct a budget for next year.

Increased enrollment districtwide, up 22 percent the past two years, is contributing to greater revenue streams.

An increase in summer enrollment this year is expected to generate an additional $120,000 over the previous year, Payne reported. Districtwide summer credit hour enrollment is up more than 16 percent since 2010, with the number of students taking classes up 8.28 percent.

Also important in the financial picture is that the college has been able to move almost $900,000 to its reserve fund this fiscal year, almost double the $500,000 budgeted.

"This is indicative of our increased enrollment and retention numbers," said CFO Charlotte Eubank.

The college is doing a lot more with a lot less money, Stephenson said.

Pertinent address:

2080 Three Rivers Blvd., Poplar Bluff, MO

Kennett, MO

Malden, MO

Dexter, MO

Sikeston, MO

Cape Girardeau, MO

Piedmont, MO

Van Buren, MO