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UNI Receives National Award for 2+2


Students in the University of Northern Iowa 2+2 degree programs understand what the 2006 award for community college collaboration means. Rina McCool, (’05) of  Guthrie Center, is among those who know that UNI’s partnerships with community colleges make it possible for them to pursue a four-year degree in their home community.

UNI’s 11-year-old program that offers bachelor degrees to students who are non-traditional and place-bound received the Best Practice Award for Collaboration with Community Colleges from the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE).

In March, Roger Kueter, director of UNI Community College Projects, and 2+2 representatives, including McCool, presented the award to President Robert Koob. Representing nearly 100 2+2 graduates, McCool said she wouldn’t have pursued teaching if it weren’t for 2+2. “The proximity of the DMACC-Carroll campus was very helpful, and faculty at both institutions were student-centered and accepting of non-traditional students. I’m only sorry I waited so long before starting this program.”

2+2 began in Carroll, preparing elementary education teachers at the Des Moines Area Community College-Carroll campus. Today six BA degree programs are offered with four community colleges. Students take two years of community college courses and then two years of UNI courses either at the community college or via distance education.

   Koob Photo
Rina McCool’s lifelong desire to become a teacher became a reality through UNI’s 2+2 program at the DMACC-Carroll campus. Representing 2+2 graduates, she presented President Robert Koob with the Best Practice Award for Collaboration with Community Colleges from the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education.

With a 4-year-old son and place-bound circumstances, Nikki Rosenbaum of Cresco joined the first student cohort in the elementary education/special education program. She likes the flexibility of UNI faculty. “Last semester we were to do a group reading project and no one was able to join me at my Northeast Iowa Community College site,” Rosenbaum said. “So instructor Amy Staples drove from UNI to assist me in the group activity. That was very considerate and I enjoyed the one-on-one presence.”

Jim Wood III, a retired firefighter after 23 years, became a Davenport school para-educator, is now in the same 2+2 program. He appreciates the collaboration with Eastern Iowa Community College and the encouragement when he entered the program. “I’ve been told students need a male, minority role model and that’s what I can be for them,” he said.

This national award focusing of collaboration fits neatly into Bob Koob’s emphasis as UNI president. “Our job is to serve potential students.” Koob said. “If community college students can benefit from a UNI education, we should provide that possibility with the least amount of barriers.”

The 2+2 program addresses statewide educational needs through programs in elementary education/early childhood education, elementary education/special education and technology management. Upcoming programs are criminology, community health education and recreation/tourism.

Koob said the AACTE award validates UNI’s community college collaborations.  “We’re helping prepare a more well-educated workforce which allows Iowa businesses to move to a higher level. In my experience we achieve so much more when we collaborate with others than we can on our own.”

 

 

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Last Modified: July 19, 2006