Priority 3: To provide service to the region.
I. Service Centers
- Support the Linda H. Godwin Center for Science and Mathematics Education:
Continue to serve as the focus for education enhancement efforts in science and mathematics at the pre-K through university levels. Using active collaboration among university personnel and in-service teachers, the Godwin Center will continue to develop and maintain successful programs such as the nationally acclaimed Christa McAuliffe Award-winning KSAM Project.
- Support the Southeast Missouri Regional Crime Laboratory:
Continue to serve law enforcement agencies throughout the region. Continue to serve as an undergraduate intern and graduate research site for students interested in forensic science.
- Support the Center for Earthquake Studies:
Administered by the Department of Geosciences, the Center will continue to offer public service through outreach programs regarding earthquake education, awareness and preparedness in the earthquake-prone region of southeast Missouri. As part of this effort, the center develops and participates in projects related to mitigation of the effects of damaging earthquakes.
II. Community Service
- Continue outreach to community schools:
Continue to offer educational outreach programs to schools in our service region. These include Chemistry Bowl, Math Field Day, Physics Olympics, Science Fair and Horizons Program.
- Support community service facilities:
Continue to operate and maintain facilities that offer educational opportunities for everyone in the southeast Missouri community. At present these facilities include the Astronomical Observatory operated by the Department of Physics and the Kelso Wildlife Sanctuary administered by the Department of Biology, in cooperation with the Missouri Department of Conservation. We strongly support the development of the proposed nature center at the North County Park, to be administered along with the Department of Conservation, and the establishment/development of a Center for Environmental Justice, to be administered through the interdisciplinary Environmental Science Program. Several departments within the college can provide support staff on an as-needed basis for both of these facilities.
- Provide additional services:
Continue to provide other service activities as warranted. At present these activities include applied research in aid of the community and continuing education and extended learning.