VSU, Southern Crescent Tech Form Pathways Program Partnership

Pictured are, from left to right, (standing) Rebecca Johnson, dean for Academic Affairs at SCTC; Dr. Joseph G. Weaver, director of Off-Campus Programs and acting director of Admissions at VSU; Dr. Dawn Hodges, vice president for Academic Affairs at SCTC; Dr. Hudson Rogers, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at VSU; (sitting) Dr. Randall Peters, president of SCTC; and Dr. William McKinney, president of VSU.

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

The Pathways Program agreement will allow Southern Crescent 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 Southern Crescent Technical College become a reality,” said Dr. William 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.”

Referred to as South Atlanta’s premier college for workforce development, Southern Crescent Technical College was established in July 2010 from the merger of Flint River Technical College and Griffin Technical College. The flagship technical college serves more than 7,000 students each year from Butts, Fayette, Henry, Jasper, Lamar, Pike, Spalding, Taylor, and Upson counties and offers nearly 200 associate degree, diploma, and technical certificate programs. It serves an additional 3,500 students through its adult education and continuing education programs.

Southern Crescent Technical College boasts multiple convenient locations, including campuses in Griffin and Thomaston and centers in Jackson, Monticello, and Butler. Its mission is to promote lifelong learning and to help stimulate Georgia’s community and economic growth and development.

“I am very pleased to partner with Valdosta State University to provide yet another opportunity for our students to further their education once they finish at Southern Crescent Technical College,” said Dr. Randall L. Peters, president of SCTC. “This new agreement will provide options for our students that they would not have otherwise. It is precisely this kind of articulation that puts meaning to the words ‘seamless education,’ and I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between our two institutions.”

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 Southern Crescent 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 12 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, and Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin.

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.sctech.edu/index.cfm

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.