Bellevue University has organized an executive council to assist in the implementation of a new four-year college degree program that would be offered to the McCook and North Platte communities, university officials announced earlier this week.

Education experts, elected officials and community leaders will work to launch the bachelor's degree-producing programs beginning Feb. 24, in conjunction with McCook Community College and North Platte Community College.

David Bernard-Stevens, executive director of the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, will serve as council chairman. He said the combination of online and in-class work will offer his community a great opportunity.

Upper-level college courses in administration will be offered in McCook and courses in health care and business information systems will be offered in North Platte.