VSU, Chattahoochee Tech Form Pathways Program Partnership

Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Chattahoochee Technical College on Monday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education. Pictured are Dr. Ron Newcomb, president of Chattahoochee Tech; Gretchen Corbin, commissioner of the Technical College System of Georgia; and Dr. Cecil P. Staton, president of VSU.

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

The Pathways Program agreement will allow Chattahoochee Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science in one or more of the 39 articulated programs (see below) to maximize the transfer of credits in order to complete either a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership, a Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance, or a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology in two years or less at Valdosta State University, noted Dr. Joseph G. Weaver, director of Off-Campus Programs at VSU.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer three clear, seamless paths for Chattahoochee Technical College graduates who wish to further their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree at Valdosta State University,” said Dr. Cecil P. Staton, president of VSU. “Higher education has never been more important in Georgia and across the United States. We are seeing a growing demand for citizens who are capable of more sophisticated, critical thinking and who possess problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Our faculty and staff are in the business of nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, communicators, leaders, and more, and we look forward to welcoming our Chattahoochee friends into our Blazer Nation family for many years to come.”

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. It 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.

Comprised of eight campuses that serve the citizens of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens counties, Chattahoochee Technical College prides itself on being a dynamic community that is supportive of learning, teaching, retention, and graduation, a community that boasts a Golden Rule culture valuing academic excellence, leadership and initiative, innovation, integrity, and more. The college offers 70-plus degrees, diplomas, and certificates in 45 programs of study, custom-designed community and economic development training courses, adult education classes, and special programs aimed at current high school students during the day, at night, on weekends, and either partially or fully online. Its faculty and staff are committed to helping the Technical College System of Georgia build a well-educated, globally competitive workforce for the entire state.

“Through this partnership with Valdosta State University, students at Chattahoochee Technical College can take their two-year degree into a four-year bachelor’s program — and do it online,” said Dr. Ron Newcomb, president of Chattahoochee Tech.  This is a great opportunity for CTC’s degree graduates, and I welcome the partnership with VSU.”

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 Chattahoochee 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 three articulated programs — Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership, Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance, or Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology — all 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 16 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education — Wiregrass Georgia Technical College in Valdosta; South Georgia Technical College in Americus; Southern Regional 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; Coastal Pines Technical College in Jesup; Ogeechee Technical College in Statesboro; Southern Crescent Technical College in Griffin; Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia and Swainsboro; Georgia Northwestern Technical College in Rome; West Georgia Technical College, which has campuses in Carrollton, Douglasville, LaGrange, Newnan, and Waco and additional instructional sites in Franklin and Greenville; and Chattahoochee Technical College, which has campuses in Jasper, Austell, Canton, Marietta, Acworth, Dallas, and Woodstock.

On the Web:

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

http://www.chattahoocheetech.edu

Articulated Programs

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, applied technical management, automotive technology, business technology, business management, computer information systems technology (computer programming, information security specialist, internet specialist/web application development, networking specialist), clinical laboratory technology, criminal justice technology, culinary arts, design and media production technology, drafting technology, early childhood care and education, electrical and computer engineering technology, environmental technology, fire science technology, health care management, health information management technology, horticulture, industrial maintenance/electrical technology, interiors, logistics/supply chain management, marketing management, medical assisting, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, paramedicine, physical therapy assistant, radiography, surgical technology, and television production technology are the articulated programs for Chattahoochee Technical College students who wish to pursue either a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership or a Bachelor of Applied Science in human capital performance at Valdosta State University.

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, business management technology, business technology, health information management technology, and marketing management are the articulated programs for Chattahoochee Technical College students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology at Valdosta State University.