South Carolina State University News May 2, 2018 SC State-Piedmont Tech Announce New Partnership to Create More Degree Pathways SC State University and Piedmont Technical College have formalized a memorandum of understanding that will give Piedmont Tech students access to programs and services to facilitate their transfer to SC State upon completion of their associate's degrees. The strategic alliance, yet another part of SC State's partnerships and collaborations effort, was announced Tuesday by SC State President James E. Clark and Piedmont Tech President Ray Brooks during a signing event held on Piedmont Tech's campus. Both presidents signed an MOU that approved articulation agreements, which will create more options for students who would like to begin their studies at Piedmont Tech and then complete a bachelor's degree program at SC State. The articulation pathways include the following majors: * BS Accounting * BS Agribusiness * BS Criminal Justice * BS Early Childhood Education * BS Economics * BS Electrical Engineering Technology * BA English * BA History * BS Management * BS Marketing * BS Mechanical Engineering Technology * Mechatronics Technology to BS Mechanical Engineering Technology * Mechatronics Technology to BS Electrical Engineering Technology * BA Political Science (Pre-Law) * BA Political Science (Public Administration) * BA Psychology * BS Social Work * BA Sociology "As workforce needs continue to grow across South Carolina, it is critical that we work together in higher education to ensure that a seamless pathway is in place for students to attain the postsecondary training they need to fill the jobs that are in demand today," said Ray Brooks, president of Piedmont Tech. "We are working together to create additional opportunities for those students to pursue the next level of their education, whether their ultimate goal is a bachelor's, master's or a doctoral degree," he continued. This new agreement illustrates both universities' commitment to providing better-defined, streamlined transfer opportunities to students in the Lakelands region of South Carolina. "SC State prides itself on developing relationships with academic, business and community entities. Our partnership with PTC is an example of our new strategic initiative, "Transformation Through Collaboration." PTC students will have an opportunity to transfer from PTC to SC State to further their pursuit of even higher degrees. This partnership further supports students remaining in South Carolina to contribute to the state's workforce needs," said James E. Clark, president of SC State. The collaboration between SC State and Piedmont Tech is focused on the academic success of students in Piedmont Tech's service region, especially first-generation students. Both institutions are committed to expanding access to college by providing flexible, cost-effective academic programs. This partnership will offer Piedmont Tech students more options as they prepare for careers, and as they work toward transferring to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor's degree. The agreement will provide a seamless transition for those who would like to begin their collegiate career closer to home and then transfer to SC State. "Part of our strategic plan is to provide direct pathways, so students know how to get where they want to be," said Dr. Jack Bagwell, vice president for Academic Affairs at Piedmont Tech. "It's important that we are able to tell them from the beginning of their time with us about these pathways. This agreement is an opportunity to make those pathways clear," he continued. Dr. Learie B. Luke, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at SC State, is excited about the partnership with Piedmont Tech. "Providing access to higher education has been a hallmark of SC State since its founding. Preparing more baccalaureate-ready graduates is an absolute necessity for South Carolina to continue building its economic infrastructure," Luke said. For more information, contact Dr. Learie B. Luke at (803) 533-3776 or lluke@scsu.edu.<mailto:lluke@scsu.edu> SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/