Officials Representing GWU and Fayetteville Technical Community College Sign Articulation Agreement
BOILING SPRINGS, N.C. – Gardner-Webb University and Fayetteville Technical Community College (Fayetteville, N.C.) officials have announced a partnership that will further ease the transfer process for students.
Representatives for both schools recently signed agreements to create continuous degree tracks for students who complete any associate’s degree program at Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) and finish a baccalaureate program at Gardner-Webb. The Transfer Admission Promise (TAP) agreement provides a seamless pathway into any of GWU’s undergraduate programs.
“Gardner-Webb has been partnering with North Carolina Community Colleges for well over three decades to provide high-quality bachelor degree opportunities to community college graduates,” affirmed Dr. Ben Leslie, GWU provost and executive vice president. “We are both honored and excited to be able to include Fayetteville Tech Community College in our network of partner schools.”
From left to right, GWU Associate Provost for Adult and Distance Education Dr. Catherine Burr, FTCC President Dr. J. Larry Keen, GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie and GWU Director of Partnerships Rusty Graham during the articulation agreement signing in July. [Photo/Brad Losh]
FTCC President Dr. J. Larry Keen believes the partnership will ultimately benefit students. “We look forward to working with Gardner-Webb University,” Keen offered. “We did our due diligence in looking at the quality they provide—and we know the quality we provide. It just seemed like a good marriage. We expect great opportunities for our students.”
Students will save time and money thanks to the partnership, which aligns degree courses at FTCC and GWU to reduce instances of course repetition and loss. According to Dr. Catherine Burr, GWU associate provost for adult and distance education, a grant is available through the partnership for FTCC graduates who select GOAL – The Degree Completion Program degree tracks at Gardner-Webb for their continuing education.
FTCC Dr. J. Larry Keen and GWU Provost and Executive Vice President Dr. Ben Leslie sign the articulation agreement allowing FTCC students with associate degrees a seamless transfer to GWU to earn a bachelor degree. [Photo/Brad Losh]
“This grant is being offered through GOAL – The Degree Completion Program to qualifying transfer students for the duration of their program based on continuous enrollment at GWU,” Burr shared. “We are honored to collaborate with Fayetteville Technical Community College to create this partnership for students who complete their associate’s degree for seamless admission to Gardner-Webb University in either the online or face-to-face format in any bachelor’s program within our 18 schools or departments.”
A streamlined major program allows students to enter the workforce sooner and with less financial debt from college costs. Additionally, the agreement allows students entering major programs to begin planning their educational path during their high school years, with academic advising assistance from both GWU and FTCC.
“Fayetteville Tech is one of the great economic engines of the state, serving more than 40,000 students annually with training in more than 250 occupational, technical and academic areas,” Leslie offered. “We look forward to providing their graduates with an opportunity for continuing their education and professional preparation in the distinctive, student-centered environment that is Gardner-Webb University.”
Staff from FTCC and GWU during the articulation agreement signing between both institutions. [Photo/Brad Losh]
Located in the North Carolina foothills, Gardner-Webb University is a private, Christian, liberal arts university that prepares students to become critical thinkers, effective leaders and compassionate servants in the global community. Emphasizing a strong student-centered experience and rigorous academics, Gardner-Webb is a place where Christian conviction meets intellectual freedom. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.
Established in 1961, Fayetteville Technical Community College serves over 40,000 students annually by providing over 250 occupational, technical, general education, college transfer, and continuing education programs to meet students’ needs and desires as well as the community. Visit FTCC’s website at www.faytechcc.edu. Like us on Facebook / Follow us on Twitter @faytechcc.
*Note: This article was written by the Gardner-Webb University Office of Media Relations
