MERS Goodwill Excel Center to Open Columbia Location in October

Missouri’s fourth adult high school names Director and plans an opening of October 28

ST. LOUIS, MO (September 13, 2019) – MERS Goodwill announces the opening of the new Columbia location of the Goodwill Excel Center. Set to open on Monday, October 28, this is the fourth MERS Goodwill Excel Center, which are tuition-free high schools that help adults earn their high school diplomas. The school, located at the former Daily Tribune building at 101 North Fourth Street in Columbia, will be led by Mike Reynolds, recently named as the new Director of the Columbia Excel Center.

“With the upcoming October opening of our newest school, we are grateful to have Mike join the Excel Center team in Columbia,” said David Kutchback, President and CEO of MERS Goodwill. “Each Excel Center provides not only the opportunity for adults over age 21 to earn their high school diploma, but also life coaching skills and workplace certifications, allowing for higher wages and increased career opportunities. Mike has traveled to all three current schools, and truly believes in the power of each Excel Center. We are excited to continue our mission of changing lives through the power of work, and are glad to have Mike on board to further this program.”

Prior to joining the Columbia Excel Center as Director, Mike Reynolds spent 30 years in public education, serving various roles as a teacher, coach, principal and superintendent in Missouri’s Glasgow School District. Mike received his bachelor’s degree in Education from Central Methodist University, and his master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He also received his Educational Specialist Degree from Lindenwood University, which enabled him to be eligible for his superintendent role.

“I fell in love with the opportunity to be the new Columbia area Goodwill Excel Center Director,” said Reynolds. “I believe in the Excel Centers’ work to provide chances for adults to earn their high school diploma, along with opportunities for those unemployed to become employed or move up in their jobs and chosen careers. I’ve been fortunate enough to have visited all three current schools, and I can’t wait to get ours up and running.”

There are approximately 500,000 people in Missouri over 21 without a high school diploma. MERS Goodwill hopes that people continue to take advantage of the Goodwill Excel Centers. Class times are flexible to accommodate work schedules, and each facility has a drop-in childcare center which is free for students attending class.

Enrollment is currently underway. Students interested in enrolling can contact Mike Reynolds at 573-499-1220 or [email protected]. Again, the address of the new Goodwill Excel Center in Columbia is: 101 North 4th Street, Columbia MO, 65201. For additional information on the Goodwill Excel Centers, call 314-982-8802, or visit https://mersgoodwill.wpengine.com/excel-center-registration-form/.

About MERS Missouri Goodwill Industries

Celebrating 100 years, MERS Goodwill’s mission is changing lives through the power of work. Its vision is a community where each individual has the opportunity to learn, work, and achieve their greatest potential. Annually serving more than 40,000 individuals, the non-profit agency operates in 75 locations serving 89 counties in the bi-state area. Revenues from 44 Goodwill stores assist with funding MERS Goodwill job training and employment services. MERS Goodwill is a proud member of the United Way. For more information about MERS Goodwill or to find a Goodwill donation center near you, call (314) 241-3464 or visit www.mersgoodwill.org.