A recent graduate of the Missouri State University Outreach Off-Campus Programs (Neosho), Raegan Snider is finishing up her first year as a second-grade teacher in the Neosho School District.
Her time in the program prepared her for success in her current role.
“Many factors influenced my decision to choose the MSU Outreach program. One of them was the location, and my familiarity with Crowder College’s campus,” said Snider, who is from Lockwood, Missouri. “Without the program, I feel like my path would’ve gone a completely different direction.”
A smooth transition
Missouri State Outreach Programs allow students to earn their associate’s degree at a local college then transfer to MSU and complete the rest of their bachelor’s degree in elementary education at the partnering college’s campus. Students take a variety of classes that include seated, Zoom and online modalities. They receive the same quality education MSU is known for close to home without having to move to Springfield.
There are a total of 10 partner campuses across three MSU Outreach regions in southern Missouri. The Outreach SW Region is headquartered in Neosho and includes three other locations in Cassville, Nevada and Webb City.
Snider started attending Crowder College in summer 2020 for an Associate of Arts in Teaching, then seamlessly transferred to MSU through the Neosho program. She gained her bachelor’s degree in elementary education in May 2024.
“Since graduating, I’ve been fortunate to accept my dream position as a second-grade teacher,” Snider said.
She taught her first year at George Washington Carver Elementary, which was also her student teaching placement.
“A major highlight of my journey has been the opportunity to teach at the same school and grade level team where I completed my student teaching. This has made the adjustment so much easier,” Snider said.
Key benefits
Regional Outreach Administrator Jill Stephens notes students enjoy the community aspect of the outreach programs.
“They’re in a cohort with the same students the whole time they’re here,” she said. “They form relationships and connections with people that they keep throughout their career. It’s one of the things they liked the most about our programs.”
She adds MSU Outreach provides a sense of community lacking in other online universities.
“I think students like Reagan, and teachers in general, are just very people oriented. They need that close connection. That’s one of the things we offer that 100% online programs can’t.”
While students enjoy the close-knit environment, being part of a bigger campus community is also a plus.
“I think our biggest draw for students is they’re 100% Missouri State students out here, even though they’re not on the main campus,” Stephens said. “They get a Missouri State ID, they’re in the system, they’re graded the same and they get all the perks of being a student.”
In addition, students experience the same coursework and rigor of a main campus program.
“Our instructors all have a master’s or doctorate degree, and they teach the same curriculum as the main campus in Springfield,” Stephens said.
Honored to teach
As Snider completes her first year of teaching, she is grateful for her students.
“My first class will always be special to me. Watching my students grow, both academically and personally, has been amazing,” she said.
She also acknowledges the role the MSU Outreach program played in her own success.
“I truly credit the program for preparing me so well. The coursework, guidance from professors, and hands-on experience in real classrooms gave me the skills and confidence I needed to succeed.”
