VSU, Ogeechee Tech Form Pathways Program Partnership

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University (VSU) signed articulation agreements with Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) on Wednesday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  

The Pathways Program agreement will allow OTC 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 VSU, noted Andy Clark, vice president for Enrollment, Marketing, and Communications at VSU.

“I am thrilled to have the articulation agreement between Valdosta State University and Ogeechee 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.”

Located in Statesboro, OTC is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and a public institution of higher education that contributes to the economic, educational, and community development of its three-county service area of Bulloch, Evans, and Screven counties. The college provides technical education programs at the associate degree, diploma, and certificate levels, utilizing traditional and distance education methodologies; student support services; adult literacy education; continuing education; and customized business and industry workforce training to the citizens of the communities it serves.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Valdosta State University,” said Dr. Dawn Cartee, president of OTC. “The level of cooperation from VSU’s administration and staff has been fantastic. Our ultimate goal is to provide greater opportunities for our students if they choose to continue their education upon graduation from Ogeechee Technical College.”

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 Ogeechee Technical College to allow students with approved Associate of Applied Science (AAS) or Associate of Applied Technology (AAT) 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. 

By 2020, it is projected that over 60 percent of jobs in Georgia will require a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor’s degree. 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 11 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, and Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro.

Dr. Joseph G. Weaver, director of Off-Campus Programs and acting director of Admissions at VSU, said that the goal is to sign articulation agreements with every college in the Technical College System of Georgia.

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.ogeecheetech.edu

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

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.