Missouri Western and the 139th Airlift Wing of the Missouri Air National Guard recently forged a stronger partnership to benefit both Guard members and University students. Dr. Jeanne Daffron, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said Missouri Western is undertaking two major initiatives to provide additional educational opportunities for members of the 139th .
In the first initiative, guard members can now complete their Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) associate degree by taking general education courses at Missouri Western. They can take courses on campus or online, with more than 250 general education online courses offered.
The second initiative is the option to continue on to a bachelor’s degree using their CCAF Associate Degree or other transfer credits. They can select a traditional bachelor’s degree or a Bachelor of General Studies degree, which is specifically tailored for those who have some college credits but have delayed their studies.
MSgt. Bart Watts was the first member of the 139th to enroll in the new initiative. He is currently taking two courses, one online and one on campus, and that will complete his requirements for the CCAF associate degree. Watts noted that an associate degree will make him eligible for promotion.
He then plans to continue taking classes to earn a Bachelor of General Studies from Missouri Western, and he found out that his military experience of almost 25 years counted for some college credits, as well.
“This is great for military guys with a lot of experience,” he said. “They may be the biggest group of people earning the Bachelor of General Studies.”
Details about the degree completion programs can be found at missouriwestern.edu/military.
“Education is the key to advancement in the Air National Guard, and we’re grateful that Missouri Western is making these educational opportunities available,” said Col. Ralph Schwader ’85, Wing Commander.