Sikeston, Missouri - Officials from Three Rivers College, along with local leaders and representatives from across Southeast Missouri, broke ground on the college’s new Eastern Campus in a ceremony held at Life Church in Sikeston on August 15. The ceremony marks the start of a series of college expansion projects, including a new classroom building on the Poplar Bluff campus, and renovations to the new Center at Kennett location. It will replace the Three Rivers Center at Sikeston, which is currently operating at maximum capacity.

“This new facility will give us the opportunity to more than triple enrollment in Sikeston, and more adequately meet the demand of today’s workforce by providing the education and training for the best jobs of tomorrow,” said Dr. Devin Stephenson, President of Three Rivers College. “I want to thank everyone who’s helped this project get off the ground, from our advocates around the area, to those who have generously donated time, energy, and money to the Eastern Campus.”

Speakers at the ceremony included Dr. Stephenson; Riley Bock, Chair of the Three Rivers Endowment Trust; Darren Garrison, Chair of the Three Rivers Board of Trustees; Dr. Maude Harris, Mayor Pro-Tem of Sikeston; Clyde Hawes, Presiding Commissioner of New Madrid County; and Michelle Reynolds, Development Officer for Three Rivers College.

“We want to thank Three Rivers for their vision and continued investment in Sikeston and Southeast Missouri,” said Dr. Maude Harris, Mayor pro-tem of Sikeston. “The Eastern Campus will let us compete more effectively in the global workforce, and will improve the quality of life for the entire area.”

 When completed, the Eastern Campus will have a capacity of 1,500 students, with expanded degree and transfer programs. The facility will also feature state-of-the-art computer and science labs, LPN-to-RN program facilities, a Learning Resource Center, and an exhibit hall/auditorium. The Eastern Campus will also serve as a base for future workforce development and training partnership programs in the region.

The Eastern Campus project was initially made possible by a 38-acre land donation from Scott and Karen Matthews and Drs. Mike and Elizabeth Brunt. Initial funding was provided by a $750,000 FEMA Safe Room grant, with the remainder coming from private donations and a series of bond sales. The entire project will cost approximately $7 million, and the college hopes to finish construction in late 2014.

Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.