By WHITNEE ICE
St. Joseph Post
The Metropolitan Community College is stepping away and letting North Central Missouri College have the option to take the reins for the Hillyard Technical Center in St. Joseph.
The Metropolitan Community College Board of Trustees voted to approve a memorandum of understanding with North Central Missouri College, altering the service areas of both colleges.
President of St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Community College Larry Rideaux says a memorandum of understanding is an agreement between the two schools.
“We will step out of serving the residents in Buchanan County in lieu of NCMC serving or being the primary educational provider when it comes to a community college education in that particular area,” Rideaux tells St. Joseph Post.
Rideaux says the two schools will continue to work together in hopes of a smooth transition.
“We want to make sure there’s no gaps when it comes to what we provide as colleges and community colleges because what’s most important is just educating the populace there in St. Joseph,” says Rideaux.
Rideaux says students are welcome to drive to Kansas City to attend Metropolitan Community College after the school leaves St. Joseph.
“We have a pretty good operation over there currently and we’ll continue to move forward with that operation through spring 2022,” says Rideaux.
Rideaux says he is unsure of North Central's plans are for St. Joseph.
“They are committed to serving the St. Joseph area and I do know that for sure.”