SFCC Students to Benefit From Missouri Legislation, Bates Says

In a press release issued Thursday morning, State Fair Community College President Dr. Brent Bates said that he applauds the Missouri General Assembly for passing the landmark Higher Education Core Curriculum Transfer Act, a new law that will directly benefit SFCC students and families by making transfer to four-year universities more efficient, affordable, and predictable.

The legislation, expected to be signed into law by Governor Kehoe in the coming days, guarantees that a 60-credit-hour, lower-division course block in five key degree pathways—general business, elementary education, general psychology, nursing, and biological sciences—will transfer seamlessly from SFCC to any Missouri public university offering the same program.

“This is an enormous step forward for the students we serve in central and west-central Missouri,” said Dr. Brent Bates, SFCC President. “Families choosing SFCC can now do so with even greater confidence, knowing their investment will carry forward toward a bachelor’s degree without costly credit loss or course duplication. This legislation will help more students complete their degrees on time and with less debt.”

The new act requires all public institutions in Missouri to adopt a common course numbering system and equivalency matrix, which ensures that course content and credit value are aligned across campuses. It also sets the stage for the development of single articulation pathways—clear roadmaps that will help SFCC students move from an associate degree to a bachelor's degree with ease.

“This legislation creates consistency within lower-division courses and will save students time and money on their educational pursuit,” said Brian Millner, President/CEO of the Missouri Community College Association (MCCA). “The passage of this bill is a win for students and families, as well as Missouri taxpayers.”

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SFCC is proud to have supported this transformative legislation alongside the MCCA and other institutions across the state. The College remains committed to removing barriers and enhancing transfer opportunities for its students.

“Seamless transfer is critical to student success,” added Dr. Bates. “This bill is not just about policy—it’s about people. It will have a profound and lasting impact on the lives of our students.”

For students and families exploring the SFCC experience, this new legislation reinforces the College’s long-standing commitment to providing affordable, high-quality education that leads to successful transfer and career outcomes.