May 27, 2015
15-150

Jessica Pope
Communications and Media Relations Coordinator

VSU, Southeastern Tech Form Pathways Program Partnership

Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Southeastern Technical College on Tuesday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education. Pictured, from left to right are (standing) STC Provost Larry Calhoun, STC Vice President for Academic Affairs Teresa Coleman, STC Vice President for Student Affairs Barry Dotson, VSU Director of Off-Campus Programs and Acting Director of Admissions Joseph Weaver; (sitting) STC President Cathryn Mitchell and VSU President William McKinney.   

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Southeastern Technical College on Tuesday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  

The Pathways Program agreement will allow Southeastern Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science to maximize the transfer of credits in order to complete either a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership or a Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance in two years or less at Valdosta State University, noted Andy Clark, vice president for the Division of Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications at VSU.

“I am thrilled to have the articulation agreement between Valdosta State University and Southeastern Technical College become a reality,” said Dr. William J. McKinney, president of VSU. “VSU is committed to building pathways that enable students to take the next step in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree.”

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Southeastern Technical College is recognized as an educational leader in the state, one that delivers quality, student-centered, and accessible postsecondary education and training. It provides an innovative educational environment for student learning through traditional and distance education delivery methods focused on building a well-educated, globally competitive workforce.

Southeastern Technical College serves students in Candler, Emanuel, Jenkins, Johnson, Montgomery, Tattnall, Toombs, and Treutlen counties and offers more than 80 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs, as well as adult education, continuing education, and customized training and services. It has campuses in Vidalia and Swainsboro.

“I’m very excited that Southeastern Tech is providing yet another opportunity for our associate degree graduates to earn a four-year degree,” said Dr. Cathryn Mitchell, president of STC. “This agreement provides degree graduates the ability to transfer to Valdosta, and best of all, the programs are online so these students are able to take advantage of the flexibility and convenience offered by online classes if so desired.

“Valdosta State University has been great throughout this entire process in trying to ease the transition for our technical college graduates. Our goal has been to provide greater opportunities for the degree graduates of Southeastern Tech, and this agreement does just that.”

The Pathways Program centers on the priorities of Complete College Georgia, an initiative developed to increase the number of Georgians earning a college degree. It is a collaboration between Valdosta State University and partner institutions like Southeastern Technical College to allow students with approved Associate of Applied Science or Associate of Applied Technology degrees to maximize the transfer of credits in order to complete a bachelor’s degree in two years or less. Pathways students can expect 51 or more transferable credit hours to be applied to either of the two articulated programs, Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership or Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance, both of which are offered completely online. 

It is projected that over 60 percent of jobs in Georgia will require a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree by 2020. Presently, approximately 42 percent of the state’s young adults, its developing workforce, are prepared to such a level, which means that Georgia must not only maintain current graduation levels but also produce an additional estimated 250,000 graduates in upcoming years to remain competitive.

VSU has now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 13 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education — Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Valdosta, South Georgia Technical College in Americus, Southwest Georgia Technical College in Thomasville, Albany Technical College in Albany, Savannah Technical College in Savannah, Gwinnett Technical College in Lawrenceville, Central Georgia Technical College in Macon, Lanier Technical College in Oakwood, North Georgia Technical College in Clarkesville, Altamaha Technical College in Jesup, Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro, Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin, and Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia and Swainsboro.

Valdosta State University is a premier comprehensive university characterized by outstanding instruction, a wide range of student life opportunities, and a close connection to the community. Established in 1906, the institution's mission is to prepare students to meet global opportunities and challenges through excellence in teaching and learning; to expand the boundaries of current knowledge and explore the practical applications of that knowledge through excellence in scholarship and creative endeavors; and to promote the economic, cultural, and educational progress of the community and region through excellence in service outreach. VSU seeks to accomplish this mission in a dynamic, student-centered learning environment marked by a respect for diverse abilities, backgrounds, and contributions by all members of the university community.

On the Web:

http://www.valdosta.edu/welcome.php

http://www.southeasterntech.edu


Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities. 

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals: 

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.

 

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