(Charleston, IL) – Eastern Illinois University (EIU) leaders are pleased to announce a new corporate education partnership with Monticello-based Kirby Medical Center that will provide Kirby Medical Center employees access to discounted tuition rates and scholarships for EIU’s online undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
“Kirby Medical Center remains an award-winning hospital, in part, because of the opportunities employees have to grow their skills and education through partnerships with outstanding academic institutions like EIU,” said Dr. Andrew Buffenbarger, Chief Compliance Officer for Kirby Medical Center. “We appreciate the partnership and look forward to offering employees yet another path to personal and professional growth.”
Through this agreement, Kirby Medical Center has committed to promoting EIU’s academic programs to its employees through various channels, including its Human Resources website, employee benefit fairs, corporate newsletters, digital brochures, and promotional emails. In turn, EIU will provide Kirby Medical Center employees with dedicated support from a corporate partner specialist and degree completion coordinator, ensuring a smooth transition from inquiry to enrollment.
As part of the educational alliance, EIU will offer Kirby Medical Center employees up to $1,000 in scholarships per academic year, applicable to any online undergraduate or graduate degree program. The scholarship, valued at $125 per three-credit-hour course, is renewable for up to 48 credit hours, or $2,000 total. To maintain eligibility, students must make adequate, incremental progress in the academic program.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kirby Medical Centers as a valued partner in our Corporate Education Benefit Program,” said Josh Norman, EIU Vice President of Enrollment Management. “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting the educational goals of Kirby Medical Center employees and investing in the future of our collective regional workforce.”
The three-year agreement, renewable for up to ten years, demonstrates the long-term commitment of both organizations to fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional development.
Kirby Medical Center employees interested in learning more about this opportunity are encouraged to contact EIU program coordinator Kenia Gonzalez at kigonzalez@eiu.edu or call (217) 581-5027.
About Kirby Medical Center
Kirby Medical Center is an independent, not-for-profit hospital located in Monticello, Illinois that has been serving the healthcare needs of Piatt County and surrounding areas since 1941. Kirby Medical Center is committed and proud to provide high-quality, compassionate healthcare services to all people in need.
About EIU
EIU prepares students to accomplish their life goals through a combination of quality academics, personal relationships, and both on-campus and online learning opportunities. For more information about Eastern Illinois University, including its broad array of academic and career readiness programs, or any of EIU’s other community-based services and opportunities, visit eiu.edu or call EIU’s public information office at (217) 581-7400.
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