FAYETTEVILLE — Campbell University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Fayetteville Technical Community College on Oct. 6 ensuring a clear pathway for transfer students looking to continue their education at Campbell.
The articulation agreement, signed by Campbell President Dr. William M. Downs and Fayetteville Tech President Dr. Mark Sorrells, provides a clear, supportive route for students in FTCC’s Associate in Arts, Associate in Science and Associate in Engineering programs, as well as select engineering-related programs.
“Campbell University is pleased to formalize a partnership with Fayetteville Technical Community College that will establish an assured entry for all FTCC graduates wishing to pursue a further degree with us,” Downs said. “With these new initiatives, Campbell and FTCC have eliminated unnecessary course repetition, thereby saving students both time and money. Campbell and FTCC have opened doors to higher education that perhaps once appeared closed. And by working together, Campbell and FTCC are increasing the number of college graduates in our region and promoting economic mobility for residents of Cumberland County and beyond.
“Those are all immediate wins, and I’m eager to watch the pipeline connecting our two institutions grow in popularity.”
Downs said University leadership is especially excited about the specific transfer pathway now created for students completing engineering-related associate degree programs at Fayetteville Tech who then choose to pursue the Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree at Campbell. Dr. Jenna Carpenter, the founding dean of the School of Engineering who accompanied Downs and members of the cabinet to Fayetteville for the signing and a tour of the campus, said she was impressed with what she saw from the program.
“These students bring valuable training and experience for our Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree, which positions them to become student leaders in our program,” Carpenter said. “[Fayettevilel Tech] has a number of interesting and unique hands-on labs, which are great preparation for our hands-on, project-based approach to engineering here at Campbell.”
To be admitted into the program, students at Fayetteville Tech must be in good standing, “demonstrate good citizenship and conduct,” have an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a grade of “C” in all ICAA courses, earn an associate’s degree and enroll at Campbell within one academic year of earning that degree.
Since Downs took office as Campbell’s sixth president on July 1, 2025, the University has signed five agreements with two-year colleges in North Carolina to provide a clear, supportive pathway for students interested in continuing their education.
Campbell and Cape Fear Community College signed Downs’ first Campbell Assured Admissions Program agreement in November 2025. Subsequent agreements were reached with Richmond Community College in March, Carteret Community College in May and Lenoir Community College in September.
The transfer agreements are a key component of Downs’ enrollment growth objective, the first major commitment of the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan (Campbell University 2026-2031: A Strategic Plan for Renewal, Growth and Recognition), which targets a 2 percent average annual enrollment growth.