By Annabeth Miller,
ShowMe Times Editor

The red brick building on Market Street was where 200 people once crafted hats and caps that went around the world – proudly made in Dexter, Missouri. But International Hat closed its doors in Dexter in 1989; Paramount Cap continued the hat-making tradition, but it too, closed its doors.

And now, in 2011 - 22 years after International Hat - the facility is now an educational center to help people prepare for their futures.

Three Rivers College has invited the community to see first-hand this new facility during an Open House on Thursday, March 24 beginning at 4 p.m. The public is invited to visit the center and to see the way in which the college has converted the old hat factory into a state-of-the-art education facility.

“This is one of Three Rivers’ most beautiful and advanced facilities,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, president of Three Rivers. “This center is very important to us, and to the people of the Dexter area. I expect new, fresh ideas to come from this center. I also expect there to be a very strong relationship with local school systems, the Chamber of Commerce, cities and towns, civic organizations, businesses, industry, and government.”

A wide range of general education courses are offered at the new Dexter center. From College Writing and Introduction to Literature, U.S. History and College Algebra, more than 25 courses are currently offered.

In addition to general education courses, the Dexter Center will deliver training in the Medical Coding option of the Information Systems Technology degree, as well as a Green Diesel Technology program. Students can earn an associate degree in IST: Medical Coding, or certification in diesel mechanics.

Center coordinator is Bill Hampton. Hampton joined the Three Rivers team in January He has more than two decades in education and in business in the region, most recently as the founder and co-owner of YHC-TV in Dexter. His enthusiasm for the college and the opportunities the center offers is contagious.

Joining Hampton as co-coordinator is Ann Matthews. Matthews has served since August 2005 in the Three Rivers Center in Portageville, and has strong family connections to the college, which several members of her family graduating from Three Rivers.

“We’re here to serve the students of Stoddard County and its surrounding areas,” said Hampton. “We invite prospective students, parents of students, and the community in general to come by and see the new facility. Ann and I will be on hand to answer any questions about course offerings, financial aid, and the center in general.”

Refreshments will be served at the Open House on Thursday. The event is free and open to the public.

Photo Above:
State Senator Rob Mayer (right) and U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson (left) discuss the programs to be offered at the new Dexter Center of Three Rivers College with college president, Dr. Devin Stephenson during a recent tour of the new facility.(ShowMe Times file photo by Annabeth Miller)