Captions Magazine - Bethel University

The Legacy Contin
Prime Inc. joins forces with Bethel to provide
higher education opportunities to its
associates and their dependents.
Prime Inc. has joined forces with Bethel University to
provide a new program called “Prime’s Success Scholars”
to its associates and their dependents.
The late Vera Low was a co-founder of trucking firm
Prime, Inc. in Springfield, Mo., and served as an active
member of the Board of Trustees at Bethel for many
years. A tireless worker, her efforts were instrumental in
the growth and development of the university. She loved
everyone and was loved by all who knew her.
“Ms. Vera,” as she was affectionately known, also had a
deep love for Bethel. In addition
to her ongoing support over the
years, Ms. Vera’s son and owner
of Prime, Robert Low, donated $7
million toward the construction of
the Vera Low Center for Student
Enrichment on Bethel’s campus
in 2011. The Vera Low Center
houses a cafeteria, student life and
admissions offices, a bookstore,
a gymnasium, and a new student
activities room.
Robert Low
Mr. Low wanted to honor her
memory by continuing to foster a
relationship with the school that
had meant so much to his mother.
In 2012, an agreement was created
with school administrators
which would allow Bethel to become
the university of choice for
the more than 6,000 drivers, over
1,000 non-drivers, and thousands
of family members associated
Vera Low
with Prime Inc.
“One of the benefits to any company is to have an educated
workforce,” says Kristie Lancaster, recruiter for the
College of Professional Studies. “Mr. Low understands
that. He also appreciates the fact that his mother felt so
confident in our university and its exceptional opportunities
that she encouraged her grandchildren and others to
attend. Robert is carrying on their mother’s legacy, while
extending opportunities to associates and dependents of
the Prime Family.”
With more than 7,000 Prime associates and operators
across the country, there is great growth potential not just
for Bethel, but for Prime associates as well. “Providing
educational opportunities will help the company continue
to move forward even faster,” says Lancaster.
With Prime’s “Success Scholars” Program, Prime associates
and dependents receive 50% off the tuition rate
when they choose to attend College Start, Organizational
Leadership, Criminal Justice, or Emergency Services
Management programs online. Dependents of associates
who are enrolled in an on-campus College of Arts & Sciences
program in McKenzie receive 40% off tuition, room
and board. Students choosing to attend Bethel’s online
graduate programs enjoy a 50% tuition reduction, while
their legal dependents receive a 30% cost-savings.
Prime Driver Recruiter Kristi Pinckney is grateful
for the opportunity. “Completing my bachelor’s degree
through Bethel University has many great benefits. I have
easily incorporated the coursework into my busy schedule,
and the tuition break makes the financial aspect of college
less intimidating,” she says.
“I’m anticipating that many members of the Prime
Family will also become members of the Bethel Family,”
says Lancaster. “And it all began because someone believed
in Bethel.”
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