Southern system to offer online options

The Southern University System is partnering with Education Online Services Corp. to implement online degree programs. “You’ve heard us talk about a 21st-century learning model,” system President Ronald Mason told the Board of Supervisors Friday. “No 21st-century learning model can make it without an online component.” The corporation focuses on historically black colleges and universities, including Jackson State, where Mason formerly served as president. Ezell Brown, EOS Corp.’s chairman, told the board that Southern’s brand is well-known even outside Louisiana, and says Southern could serve as an example to other HBCUs. Online learning is seen by many universities as a way to reach nontraditional students and raise additional revenue. Mason says he expects a “full inventory” of degree programs to be available; EOS is starting by marketing existing online programs. Available online degrees early on will include the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and master’s degrees. To request information on SU’s new online degree programs, click here. —David Jacobs