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News Brief

Feb. 13, 2019Maryville, MO |  By: John Coffey

Northwest celebrated 20 years of online programming

Northwest Missouri State University officials celebrated 20 years of their Online program yesterday afternoon. The University launched Northwest Online in August 1999. Former Northwest President Dr. Dean Hubbard says he saw a need at the time to reach students who weren't able to be served by traditional classroom settings.

"There were some people who were saying that online courses would eliminate campuses.  I knew that wouldn't be the case, because for an 18 to 22-year old, a campus experience is a vital part of their education.  But a 35-year-old person doesn't need a football team or a student union, but they do need the training."

Northwest Online began with nine courses and a total enrollment of 57 students in 1999 and consisted of six general education courses and three business management courses.

Current Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski says the program has grown considerably in the past twenty years.

" .... all-time record enrollments for online. Over a thousand online students here in the spring of 2019.  We see that growing.  We're partnering with a group called Academic Partnerships and that partner is a significant partner for us - credible, subject-matter experts, and really partner well with our faculty and staff.  So we see a lot of growth, a lot of use of new technologies...."

Today, 536 courses are being offered through the Northwest Online program.