Since the end of December, Kevin Beeson has received at least one phone call or email daily asking the same type of question.
University of Illinois Springfield’s spring semester starts Tuesday, and students are eager to learn how to sign up for Beeson’s Credit for Prior Learning Military Studies course.
“Usually the week before, and of, classes, it goes crazy,” said Beeson, 50, visiting clinical professor in UIS’ Internship and Prior Learning Program. He added that the week of classes, there would probably be students “out the door.”
The course was first offered last summer with 14 students.
Since an article was published in The State Journal-Register last spring, students and other universities have expressed interest in Beeson’s innovative course.
And due to its online nature, the attention has extended well beyond Springfield.
On Tuesday, Beeson was awarded the U.S. Department of Defense and Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award in recognition of his efforts. It was presented to Beeson by one of his students and the person who nominated him, Army Master Sgt. Anthony O’Neal, a UIS senior majoring in liberal and integrative studies.
The class was featured by The State Journal-Register on January 18, 2014.
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