An Academic Update from the Provost

I am pleased to share two transformative programs that reflect USM’s commitment to addressing pressing societal needs while providing unique learning opportunities.

Kansas City Kansas Community College Partnership Addresses Skilled Labor Shortages
In an effort to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the construction industry, USM has partnered with the Kansas City Kansas Community College Pioneer Career Center in Leavenworth. This innovative program allows students to earn trade certificates from KCKCC while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies or a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies at USM.

Students can select from three trade certificate programs, including Electrical Technology, HVAC, and Construction Technology, and integrate this technical training with a comprehensive liberal arts foundation at USM. This balanced academic pathway combines up to 45 credits from KCKCC certificate programs with 39 credits from USM’s major requirements and 36 credits from USM’s general education program, culminating in a 120-credit bachelor’s degree.

This partnership not only provides students with vital skills for today’s workforce but also encourages a holistic academic experience, allowing students to engage fully with campus life, including living on campus, student activities, and varsity sports.

Transforming Lives through the Prison Education Program
Since its re-establishment in 2021, USM’s Prison Education Program has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for incarcerated individuals in Kansas. Initially launched at the Lansing Correctional Facility with eight students, this program has grown significantly, now offering a Bachelor of Business in Management to nearly 40 students at LCF.

USM also offers degrees at the United States Disciplinary Barracks and the Joint Regional Correctional Facility. The partnership with the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth makes USM the only Pell Grant institution in the country to offer an in-person bachelor’s degree in a military prison. USM will also offer an associate’s in business administration at the Federal Correctional Institute in Leavenworth starting in 2025.

The impact of this program is profound. Research shows a 43 percent reduction in recidivism for those who participate in educational programs while incarcerated. USM is proud to lead in areas that make a tangible difference in society, and we could not do this important work without the support of our friends and alumni of Saint Mary. Thank you for your continued engagement and support as we advance our mission of transforming lives through education.

Warm regards,

Dr. Michelle Metzinger
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs