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BSC Approved to Offer Online Degrees to Coast Guard
Bismarck State College was recently approved to provide online education to military personnel serving in the U.S. Coast Guard, including active duty, reservists and civilians. BSC will provide instruction in five online National Energy Center of Excellence (NECE) programs and in criminal justice as an approved Servicemembers Opportunity College. The NECE programs that are part of the agreement are Power Plant, Process Plant, Electric Power, Electrical Transmission Systems, and Nuclear Power technologies. The agreement with the Coast Guard is similar to partnerships BSC has had with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army since 2009. BSC is part of the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership, which allows Navy and Marine personnel to enroll in BSC's online NECE programs leading to an associate in applied science degree (AAS), or the online Criminal Justice program leading to an AAS.
A similar partnership is in place with the Army for BSC to provide the AAS degree in Power Plant Technology. "We were pleased to be selected by the Coast Guard to offer BSC's online energy programs and the criminal justice program," said Kari Knudson, Vice President, National Energy Center of Excellence. "It is an honor to support the educational needs of the Coast
Guard."
For more information visit our website at: http://www.bscmilitaryonline.com/coastguard/. |
BSC to Offer Classes to Turkish University
Bismarck State College will offer energy courses online to Turkish students through an agreement with Izmir University. The expansion of BSC's energy programs into the international market is part of the college's plans to expand its presence in energy education.
"This partnership means more enrollment growth and program expansion," BSC President Larry Skogen said. "As importantly, we know that we can no longer remain isolated from the global educational environment. This agreement provides an opportunity for faculty and staff to learn about a different culture and the energy industry abroad."
Izmir University sought a partnership with a higher education institution specializing in energy education. The agreement includes BSC providing courses for three different associate degree programs and Izmir University providing general education courses. Students will enroll at and receive their degree from Izmir University. The BSC programs are Power Plant, Process Plant and Renewable Generation technologies.
Turkish students can also enroll in BSC's bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management program. More energy programs may be offered after an evaluation of the initial implementation phase.
Izmir University also has agreements with Boston University, New York University and other U.S. colleges. |
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NECE Employee Spotlight -
Scott Agnew
Scott Agnew, from Mandan, ND, joined the NECE in August 2010 as an instructor after working in the industry for 17 years. Agnew completed BSC's Process Plant Technology Associate in Applied Science degree and was hired a few months later at the Conoco Refinery in Billings, MT. He worked at the refinery as a Coker-Gas Oil Hydrotreater Operator for seven years. In 2000, Agnew was hired as an operator at Minnkota Power Cooperative in Center, ND, where he worked for six years in several positions before moving into the maintenance department. In 2006, Agnew began a 2 ½ year mechanic apprenticeship and also began his pursuit of a bachelor's degree in Energy Management through BSC. He became a full-time mechanic in 2008 and finished his degree in March of 2010.
When asked about his reason for pursuing an instructor position, Agnew said, "In my 17 years of working in the industry I had the opportunity to train new employees, write procedures and give presentations. I found I really enjoyed these aspects of the job. My long-term goal was to work in the management department and eventually move into the teaching field. Shortly after I completed the BAS degree I applied for the instructor position and was hired. BSC is such an innovative, forward-thinking environment. It is simply a pleasure to walk in the door each day."
Agnew has been married to his wife, Michele, for five years and they have two boys, Joey, 4, and Jack, 1. Agnew says, "The boys leave nothing but destruction in their wake but we love them like crazy!" Agnew and his family reside in Bismarck and he enjoys reading, riding bike, exercise and spending time with his family. |
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Upcoming Events
Lignite Energy Council Annual Meeting
October 6-7, 2010
Ramkota Hotel
Bismarck, ND
October 12, 2010
BSC Campus
BSC Power Plant & Process Plant Advisory Board Meeting
October 18, 2010
BSC Campus
October 26-28, 2010
Alexandria, VA |
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Explore what's beyond!
Encourage high school students to join us for our annual Explore BSC event on the campus October 12!
Students have the opportunity to choose programs of interest and visit first-hand with the faculty and tour the BSC campus.
Attendees will have the chance to win a $1,000 BSC scholarship.
Click here to register today! |
Student Success Story: Robert Smith
While pursuing a degree from another university, Robert Smith decided he wanted to find a degree program that was more directly associated with his current career path. Bismarck State College's energy education programs were an exact fit to what he was looking for in a college program. "Bismarck State College offers degree programs that are energy industry specific and also allowed the flexibility for me to balance my career and family while gaining advanced education," Smith said. Smith enrolled in the Power Plant Technology program and earned his Associate in Applied Science degree. He then transferred into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Energy Management program and will complete that degree in December of 2010. He has also chosen to continue to expand his portfolio of education and complete the Electrical Transmission Systems Technology degree. Smith, a System Operator for Florida Power and Light said, "Completing these programs has made me more marketable and has allowed me to gain leadership positions in the industry." "I think that the best thing about these programs is how relevant the course material is to the industry. I have taken many courses and found that some training year after year has not changed or been updated. I am confident that when I am in a course with BSC I am getting the most accurate and updated material. I have also enjoyed the opportunity to network with other students and instructors," noted Smith. Smith has high praise of BSC's energy education programs. "I certainly would recommend any Bismarck State program if you are interested in the energy industry as a career path. I think that there are no other degree programs that are comparable. You will not find instructors or advisors that want to see you succeed more than those at Bismarck State College," he said. Congratulations, Robert! |
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