COMMUNITY PROFILE

The main campus of Crowder College is located in Neosho, a town of 12,181, located on the western edge of the Missouri Ozarks. With natural springs, creeks, and lush foliage, it is known as “The Flower Box City” because of its award-winning beautification program, and the “City of Springs.” See the Neosho Chamber site at www.neoshocc.com for more information.

The college district (most of Newton and McDonald Counties and a small portion of Jasper) is made up of small towns and agricultural land. The largest nearby city is Joplin, with a population of over 52,195.  Tulsa is 100 miles west, Springfield 70 miles east, and Kansas City 150 miles north. McDonald County is experiencing burgeoning growth due in part to the international headquarters of Wal-Mart being located nearby in Northwest Arkansas. McDonald County is renowned for the beauty of its natural environment and is a popular destination for canoeing, hiking, fishing and hunting.

Our off-campus attendance centers are also located in smaller towns for the most part. The one in Webb City is located just north of Joplin, in a more urban area, and is growing accordingly.

Neosho has a large Industrial Park area and is located in a Missouri Enterprise Zone, with over 5,000 industrial jobs. La-Z-Boy Midwest has a large manufacturing facility located in the Park, and smaller manufacturers and businesses abound. Crowder College has a successful customized training program that provides services to businesses in the area. The college has an excellent relationship with the Neosho Chamber of Commerce and is an active partner in attracting new business and industry to the area.

The Neosho and McDonald County School Districts are the largest in our taxing area. Other schools in our district include East Newton, Diamond, and Seneca. Several of the  schools in the district have been busy building or remodeling facilities to accommodate growth. There are several public universities within the area, including Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri State University in Springfield, Pittsburg State University in Kansas, and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Crowder has good relationships with all.

Neosho has a Municipal Airport for private and corporate aircraft. The nearest commercial airports are Joplin, Northwest Arkansas, Springfield/Branson, and Tulsa. Neosho has an excellent hospital and clinic that is part of the Freeman Health System, as well as a satellite clinic of Mercy. Freeman also has satellite facilities in McDonald County.

Neosho has a public swimming pool, an 18-hole public golf course, parks, tennis courts, and a very nice YMCA facility located on the Crowder College campus. Noel in southern McDonald County also has a golf course, and the area has several rivers, lakes, and outdoor recreation areas either within the district or nearby.