Three Rivers College alumni Matthew Poole has been selected as the College’s Alumni Star. He will be honored at a reception at Three Rivers – Kennett on March 8 and as part of the Alumni Reunion festivities on March 13 at the Libla Family Sports Complex on the TRC campus in Poplar Bluff.
“Matthew has been a great friend to Three Rivers College, especially in our Kennett region,” said Michelle Reynolds, Director of Development at Three Rivers. “He has been a joy to work with, and he has a great passion for his community.”
The Alumni Star award was created to showcase up and comers who got their start at Three Rivers College. Nominations were reviewed and the recipient chosen based on their civic and professional involvement, as well as their lasting connection to Three Rivers College.
“We are proud of everything Matthew has done for TRC and the Kennett community,” said Dr. Wesley Payne, President of Three Rivers College. “He has been an integral part of our Kennett Trivia Night, which raises scholarship funds for students enrolled at that location.”
Poole graduated from Holcomb High School and came to Three Rivers, graduating in 1994 with an Associate of Arts degree in Pre-Law.
“Three Rivers played such a big part of where I’m at today,” said Poole. “This is incredibly humbling.”
Poole continued: “Community college is something to be proud of. If you’re not ready for a bigger institution, it’s the best thing you can do. Some of the distractions are all that you miss.”
After Three Rivers, Poole attended Southeast Missouri State University, where he earned his degree in Business Management.
Poole is the VP/Branch Manager of the Kennett Branch Office of Farm Credit Southeast Missouri. He began his career with the company as a loan officer in 2003, was promoted to senior loan officer in 2013, and promoted to his current position in 2017.
He is married to Teresa, and they have one son, John Clinton. Poole is a member of First United Methodist Church in Kennett, serves as vice president of the Kennett School Board, and has been active in the Kennett Chamber of Commerce.
Poole has asked that any honorary contributions be earmarked to the Student Success Fund at Three Rivers College – Kennett.
The Kennett reception for Poole will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. March 8 at Three Rivers – Kennett. Those wishing to attend may RSVP with Michelle Reynolds at michellereynolds@trcc.edu or 573-840-9077.
Poole also will be honored during Alumni Reunion activities on March 13 at the Libla Family Sports Complex. For this event TRC alumni and former students receive free admission to the Lady Raiders basketball game at 5 p.m. and the Raiders game at 7 p.m., plus activities and giveaways. For more information on Alumni Reunion, visit trcc.edu/development/events.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
