MALDEN, Mo. -- Three Rivers College announced on Monday it will discontinue course offerings at its Malden campus, effective at the end of the spring 2018 semester. TRC president Dr. Wesley Payne cited budgetary reasons, declining enrollment and a decrease in demand for face-to-face and interactive television (ITV) course offerings at TRC-Malden.
Payne said the Malden facility will see a $60,000 deficit by the end of the 2018 fiscal year, which was a key factor in the college's decision.
"While this decision has been very difficult and is the type of decision that no college wants to make, we will continue to serve students through our online offerings and continue to provide face-to-face and ITV classes in Dexter, Kennett and Sikeston," Payne said in the press release.
In fall 2010, TRC-Malden students were enrolled in 1,380 credit hours of coursework, accounting for 92 full-time equivalencies. According to the press release, that number dropped to 620 credit hours, or 41 full-time equivalencies, by fall 2017.
TRC's other external locations, which include facilities in Kennett, Dexter, Sikeston, Piedmont and the main campus in Poplar Bluff, are not in danger of closing and continue to have positive financial returns, Payne added.
Coursework at TRC-Malden will end after the May 17 spring final exams. The press release stated that normal operations will continue through May 25. College staff will be available during normal hours of operations to answer questions and assist students in planning future coursework.
TRC-Malden has been housed in a leased facility on Narvel Felts Boulevard since 2005, which means there will no longer be any type of physical presence in the Malden area and students will be served by the Dexter and Kennett facilities instead. The opportunity to enroll in online courses will remain unchanged.
TRC has experienced budgetary challenges in recent years, including a 9 percent reduction in its Fiscal Year 2018 state appropriation. In the press release, Payne said "the continual decline in state appropriations has forced every college in the state to make adjustments. With the reduction in state support, TRC has had to look at every area of its operation to determine how best to allocate resources in support of its students."
So far, TRC has not officially eliminated faculty or staff positions, but numerous vacant positions have either been eliminated or remain unfilled in an effort to maintain a balanced budget. It was reported by college officials earlier this month that enrollment for spring 2018 was down by 4.4 percent.
If Gov. Greitens' current proposed budget cuts are approved by the legislature for Fiscal Year 2019, Payne said, student programs and employee positions will be impacted.
"It would be very difficult for the college to absorb further cuts," Payne said. "If Greitens' cuts go through and are approved, tuition decisions and budgeting will be closely (analyzed)."
Despite TRC leaving Malden, the press release said the college remains committed to the area through its Dual-Credit program for high school students and plans to continue to offer Patrons of the Arts shows in the Malden elementary and middle schools.
Southeast Missouri State University also will discontinue its course offerings at a separate facility in Malden, with president Carlos Vargas-Aburto citing similar declining trends.
Questions concerning changes at TRC-Malden should be directed to the Office of the President at TRC at 573-840-9698.