Dateline: February 11, 2020
Calhoun Community College and Athens State University have signed a “2+2 Transfer Pathway Agreement” allowing students to transfer without losing coursework and earn degrees from both institutions. Students in Calhoun’s Child Development program will transfer courses to Athens State University at the end of approximately 40 hours. The remaining courses will be reverse-transferred from Athens State back to Calhoun, allowing students to graduate with two college degrees, one from Calhoun and one from Athens State.
Calhoun currently offers an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Child Development, which prepares students to go straight to work upon graduation. With expressed interest from students to continue their education in Child Development and earn a bachelor’s degree, the transfer pathway agreement will pave the way for students to transfer seamlessly.
“It’s a good day whenever we can sign agreements with universities in ways that focus on student success,” commented Calhoun Interim President Dr. Joe Burke, “We are proud of our Child Development program; our students land jobs as soon as they graduate. This new agreement with Athens State makes them even more marketable to seek careers in public schools and daycare management.”
The program is a win-win for both institutions and is expected to help Calhoun and Athens State increase enrollment, retain students, and improve graduation rates. In addition, Athens State instructors will teach some education courses on Calhoun’s Decatur campus. Dr. Donna Estill, Calhoun Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, commented, “What it boils down to is that students will now have a choice. They can enter the workforce after earning their two-year Associate degree with us, or they can continue on a path to get their Bachelor’s degree.”
“The expansion of industry in North Alabama is relocating thousands of families to our area, thus increasing the need for top-tier child care,” stated Dr. Rosemary Hodges, Interim Dean for the College of Education at Athens State University. “We are pleased to partner with Calhoun Community College in creating an outstanding pathway for up-and-coming teachers to fill that demand.”
The presidents and other leaders from both institutions participated in an official signing on Monday, February 10 on Calhoun’s Decatur campus in the president’s conference room. The transfer pathway agreement will become effective during the 2020 summer semester.