Kaskaskia College and SIU Carbondale Partner to Expand Agricultural Degrees

New program allows students to earn bachelor's degrees in agriculture without leaving southern Illinois

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale have announced a new partnership to expand access to affordable, high-quality agricultural bachelor's degree programs. Beginning in fall 2026, students will be able to complete select agricultural bachelor's degree pathways through a combination of in-person, hybrid, and online courses taught by SIU faculty at the Kaskaskia College campus. This approach allows students to earn a four-year degree while remaining in the region.

Why it matters

The partnership aims to provide more educational opportunities for place-bound students in southern Illinois who want to advance their agricultural education without having to relocate. It also supports the region's agricultural workforce by preparing students with the knowledge and skills needed to lead and innovate in this essential industry.

The details

The initial bachelor's degree pathways available through this partnership include Agribusiness Economics and Agricultural Systems and Education. Students will complete general education and foundational coursework at Kaskaskia College before transitioning into upper-division SIU Carbondale coursework delivered through in-person, hybrid, and online formats. This model reduces overall costs, minimizes the need for relocation, and allows students to balance education with work and family commitments.

  • The partnership will launch in the fall 2026 semester.

The players

Kaskaskia College

A community college serving southern Illinois that is partnering with SIU Carbondale to expand access to agricultural bachelor's degrees.

Southern Illinois University Carbondale

A public research university that is collaborating with Kaskaskia College to deliver bachelor's degree programs in agriculture at the Kaskaskia College campus.

George Evans

President of Kaskaskia College.

Austin A. Lane

Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Kristina Boone

Dean of SIU's College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences.

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What they’re saying

“This partnership represents a major step forward for place-bound students who want to advance their education without leaving their communities. 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.”

— George Evans, President of Kaskaskia College

“This partnership demonstrates what is possible when institutions work together with a shared commitment to student success and regional growth. 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.”

— Austin A. Lane, Chancellor of Southern Illinois University Carbondale

“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.”

— Kristina Boone, Dean of SIU's College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences

What’s next

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.

The takeaway

This partnership between Kaskaskia College and SIU Carbondale demonstrates how institutions can collaborate to expand access to high-quality, affordable educational opportunities that meet the needs of students and support the growth of key regional industries like agriculture.