Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale Expand Access to Agricultural Bachelor’s Degrees
February 24, 2026
(Seated l-r) Kaskaskia College President George Evans and SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane sign the official agreement for the new KC & SIU Bachelor’s Degree Pathway (Standing l-r) KC Precision Agriculture Facilitator David Stine, KC Agriculture Professor William Waggoner, KC Agricultural Student Cole Bruggemann, KC Student Trustee Meagan Mahlandt, SIU Senior Director of Development for the College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences Susan Graham, KC Dean of Enrollment Staci Palm, KC Dean of Career and Technical Education Traci Masau, KC Vice President of Student Services Amy Zanton, SIU Dean of College of Agricultural, Life and Physical Sciences Dr. Kristina Boone, SIU Provost Sheryl Tucker, KC Provost and Vice President of Student Services Julie Obermark, SIU Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management Wendell Williams, KC Vice President of Administrative Services Sara Hanks, KC Vice President of Institutional Support &Technology and CIO George Kriss, KC A
Centralia, IL - Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale have entered into a new partnership designed to expand access to affordable, high-quality agricultural bachelor's degree options for students in southern Illinois.
Beginning in the fall 2026 semester, students will be able to complete select agricultural bachelor's degree pathways through a combination of in-person and hybrid courses taught by SIU faculty at Kaskaskia College, along with online courses offered by SIU Carbondale. This approach allows students to earn a four-year degree while remaining in the region.
"This partnership represents a major step forward for place-bound students who want to advance their education without leaving their communities," said George Evans, President of Kaskaskia College. "By working together, KC and SIU Carbondale are expanding access to bachelor 's-level agricultural education in a way that is flexible, affordable, and aligned with the needs of our regional workforce."
The initial bachelor's degree pathways available through this partnership include Agribusiness Economics and Agricultural Systems and Education. The Agribusiness Economics degree prepares students for careers across the agricultural industry, including commodities and futures markets, agricultural banking, crop insurance, corporate sales, and management of family farming operations. Students gain a strong foundation in economic principles and real-world business applications relevant to modern agriculture.
The Agricultural Systems and Education degree is designed for future agricultural professionals, whether or not they grew up on a farm. Students build a solid foundation in traditional agriculture while gaining hands-on experience in GIS and precision farming technologies, along with skills in business management. SIU Carbondale reports nearly 100% job placement for graduates in this major, supported by strong statewide networking opportunities.
"This partnership demonstrates what is possible when institutions work together with a shared commitment to student success and regional growth," SIU Chancellor Austin A. Lane said. "By expanding agricultural bachelor's degree pathways with Kaskaskia College, we are creating affordable, accessible opportunities that allow students to earn a high-quality degree while staying rooted in southern Illinois."
"Agriculture remains central to our region's future, and together we are preparing students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to lead and innovate in this essential industry," Lane said.
SIU Carbondale brings nationally recognized distinction to the partnership. The university holds the prestigious Carnegie R1 designation, recognizing the highest level of research activity among doctoral universities. In addition, SIU Carbondale has been designated an Opportunity University by the Carnegie Foundation - an honor awarded to institutions that both provide broad access to a diverse range of learners and deliver strong post-graduation earnings outcomes. Only twenty-one universities in the United States currently hold both the R1 and Opportunity University designations, underscoring SIU Carbondale's dual commitment to research excellence and student success.
"We are excited about this opportunity to work with our partners at Kaskaskia and these great students," said Kristina Boone, dean of SIU's College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences. "Meeting learners where they are is what SIU is about. We need innovative approaches to meet workforce needs in agriculture as we build our next generation of industry leaders."
Under the agreement, students will complete their general education and foundational coursework at Kaskaskia College, building on KCs existing Associate of Science degree, Associate in Applied Science Agronomy & Environmental Science, Associate in Applied Science Agriculture Business, and Precision Agriculture coursework, before transitioning into upper-division SIU Carbondale coursework delivered through in-person and hybrid formats at KC and online formats through SIU Carbondale. This model reduces overall costs, minimizes the need for relocation, and allows students to balance education with work and family commitments.
Students interested in learning more or applying for one of the available agricultural bachelor's degree pathways may contact info@kaskaskia.edu for additional information and advising assistance.
Kaskaskia College Contact:
Cary Day, Marketing and Public Information Coordinator
Telephone: 618-545-3182
Email: cday@kaskaskia.edu
SIU Contact:
Jeff Harmon, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer
Telephone: 573-352-0035
Email: jeff.harmon@siu.edu
