Rural-serving community colleges (RSCCs) play vital roles in their communities yet often struggle to facilitate student transfer to further education, especially in STEM fields. This mixed methods study explored how rural STEM educators leverage relationships to support transfer. Social network analysis of focus groups with 36 educators at five…

This article examines the current literature and state legislation of statewide "free tuition" promise programs. The purpose of this paper was to analyze state free community college programs, legislation, scholarly literature, and state websites to understand program structures, funding sources, and student-eligibility requirements. The…

Recent legislation requires increased linkages between all levels of educational institutions. Articulation agreements are critical to ensure a smooth transition for students, and statewide agreements afford students more options for continuing their education. High school and community college instructors were brought together in a statewide…

In 1991, the Missouri Business and Education Partnership presented the state's Department of Higher Education with a plan of "differentiated institutional missions," with the goal of improving public four-year colleges and universities in terms of student success, institutional effectiveness, and system wide efficiency. The objective was to have…

In an era of rapidly changing demands from students, taxpayers, and legislative leaders, the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTC System) embarked on the development of a new online college to increase student access and save resources. The eTech College of Wisconsin represents a unique venture that requires collaboration and that shares…

Describes the status of two-year colleges in Louisiana, arguing that only one of six colleges could be considered a "true" community college. Advocates the development of a statewide system to respond to increasing enrollment. Describes the Community College Task Force, appointed to organize a system despite opposition from technical…

Describes the Kansas Community Colleges which have never been unified under a statewide system. Also notes that Kansas colleges receive only 28% of their funding from the state, the lowest in the country, and that the colleges are currently confronted with a funding crisis. Suggests that Kansas colleges develop a statewide system. (JDI)

Reviews the history of two-year colleges in Arkansas, discussing their beginnings in the late 1800s, enabling legislation as public junior colleges in the 1960s, expansion in the 1970s, and major changes in the 1990s. Describes current issues of concern, such as institutional mergers, local college governance structures, and state funding. (AJL)

Describes the development of Tennessee's community colleges, indicating that their establishment followed a carefully laid-out master plan. Attributes the colleges' success to a single governing board and strong relationships with each other and with sister universities. Discusses future challenges resulting from decreases in funding, especially…

Reviews the history of Pennsylvania's higher education system since 1755. States that the Community College Act of 1963 imposed a funding system that has proved both inadequate and difficult to change and has discouraged the formation of new colleges. Discusses the current state of community college sponsorship, enrollment, funding, and outcomes,…

Describes the founding of the first two-year colleges in the mid-1920s as well as the combination of junior colleges, vocational and technical colleges into a single system in 1971. Notes that Nebraska colleges have always emphasized applied technology and occupational education rather than transfer education. Delineates the structure, governance,…

Reviews the development of community colleges in North Dakota since the first college was established in 1903, focusing on the effects of legislation passed in 1989 authorizing the transformation of the 11 colleges into a unified system. Notes that a purpose statement and many new programs and institutions have been created. (JDI)

Reviews the development of community colleges in Missouri into a more integrated system since the first college was established in 1915. Emphasizes four events: enabling legislation in 1961, a shift in state oversight to postsecondary education in 1974, a 1990 change away from funding based on credit hours, and a decision to hire full time…

Describes the process of developing a long-range plan for the statewide implementation of Tech Prep associate of applied science (AAS) degree programs in Texas. Suggests that the most critical issues of implementation are effective resource allocation, program access, quality assurance, and building program infrastructure. (15 references.) (MAB)

Reviews efforts by the State of Virginia to mobilize two-year colleges in the area of teacher preparation, especially in the field of mathematics. Describes the need for two-year college involvement in teacher preparation and presents models for successful strategies centered around two-year institutions. (KS)