Continuing its commitment to higher education and the adult learner, Bethel University will expand its services to Camden. Located at Benton County Career and Technical Center, classes will begin on Feb. 25, 2021.
“Our goal was a physical location that offered a higher education opportunity, and Bethel affords us such an opportunity as the quality of education is top-notch,” said Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee. “We are excited about pursuing this for the long-term.”
The Camden location will offer an in-person Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree program. This program’s core curriculum creates a foundation for learning developed for busy adults who have little or no previous college credit. Upon completion, graduates will be prepared to enter a range of entry-level professional careers or matriculate into Bethel’s Associate’s to Bachelor’s Degree program. Courses are writing-based and students will attend one five-week course at a time.
“Bethel’s College of Professional Studies programs are designed for working adults who need the flexibility to earn a degree,” said Dr. Kimberly Martin, Vice President of the College of Professional Studies. “Our programs encourage students to apply their work and life experiences to what they learn in the classroom. Students can be enrolled as full-time students while taking one class at a time, allowing them to be eligible for state and federal financial aid programs.”
Currently, Benton County residents have to travel outside of the county or attend classes online to earn a college degree.
Martin said that the Camden location “will allow adult learners to attend in-person classes one night per week close to home and earn their associate degree in about two years.”
Community leaders were seeking a higher education partner who could offer classes in their county to make a college degree accessible and convenient for residents.
“We want to be a partner with Benton County in preparing for a solid future for all of their citizens. For companies considering Benton County and Northwest Tennessee, we must have a qualified workforce in place and ready. We hope to be a partner with our neighbor, Benton County, in achieving this goal,” Bethel University President Dr. Walter Butler said.
To enroll at Bethel’s Camden location or for additional information, email Mikki McLeary at mclearym@bethelu.edu or call 731-415-2038.
