New Partnership Makes 4-Year Degree More Accessible for Many

Campbell University and Wake Tech Join Forces to Expand Options for StudentsCampbell University and Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) today announced a new partnership that will greatly expand educational options for community college students. The Campbell-Wake Tech Transfer Opportunity Program, or TOP, is designed to allow associate’s degree graduates from Wake Tech to transfer seamlessly into bachelor’s degree programs at Campbell University.Presidents of the two institutions, Dr. Jerry M. Wallace of Campbell University and Dr. Stephen C. Scott of Wake Technical Community College, formally signed the TOP partnership agreement at Campbell’s main campus in Buies Creek today.Components of the TOP agreement include:Upon a Wake Tech student’s completion of the Associate in Arts (AA) or Associate in Science (AS) degree program with a GPA of 2.0 or greater, Campbell will guarantee admission and seamless acceptance into the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Business Administration degree programs, in accordance with the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA) and the NC Independent Colleges and Universities Articulation Agreement.Wake Tech students who complete Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programs will be allowed to transfer up to 64 credit hours (21 hours general education, 30 hours technical, and 13 hours elective) into Campbell’s Bachelor of Applied Science degree program; and will, with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, be guaranteed admission into the program at Campbell’s main campus, RTP campus, or other extended campuses.Campbell will waive the application fee for Wake Tech graduates who meet the requirements for admission.Wake Tech students will be allowed to take courses at Campbell as appropriate toward the completion of their associate’s degree. (Students will be responsible for the tuition and fees for the Campbell courses.)Wake Tech graduates will be eligible to participate in the full range of academic programs and honors programs at Campbell University’s main campus.Tom Harris, Associate Dean of Extended Campuses at Campbell, says the partnership will help associate degree graduates stay on track toward a bachelor’s degree in their field without losing hard-earned credit hours. “Many of these students are working adults,” Harris notes. “They’re seeking a program that will allow the most transferable credits toward their bachelor’s degree. Campbell can meet their needs.”Bryan K. Ryan, Vice President of Curriculum Education Services at Wake Tech, agrees that today’s students need flexibility. “Wake Tech students balance school with work and family responsibilities,” Ryan says. “Programs like this help them stay focused and reach their goals.”Dr. Jerry M. Wallace, president of Campbell University, says the partnership should provide a new opportunity for students to attain their educational and professional goals. “As an institution of higher learning, our purpose is to educate students and prepare them for service. My hope is that this collaboration between Wake Technical Community College and Campbell University will help these scholars achieve the next step in their educational journey and prepare them for the future.”Wake Tech President Dr. Stephen C. Scott is excited about the partnership with Campbell and believes it reinforces both institutions’ commitment to students. “With this agreement, we’re showing students that they are most important. As educational institutions, we can eliminate barriers and create pathways that make higher education accessible. In so doing, we honor the hard work and sacrifices of our students, who are bettering their lives and the life of our community.”The Campbell-Wake Tech partnership enhances Campbell University’s relationship with the North Carolina Community College System, as a participating member of the North Carolina Comprehensive Articulation Agreement and the NC Independent Colleges and Universities Articulation Agreement.About Wake Tech:Wake Technical Community College (Wake Tech) is a two-year, public institution serving Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding Wake County. It was chartered in 1958 as the Wake County Industrial Education Center and began operation in 1963 with 34 full-time students. In 1964 it was formally dedicated as the W.W. Holding Industrial Education Center. The college grew rapidly, and in 1987 its name was changed to Wake Technical Community College. Wake Tech is part of the North Carolina Community College System and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.About Campbell University:Founded in 1887, Campbell University is a private, coeducational institution where faith and learning excel. Campbell offers programs in the liberal arts, sciences, and professions, with undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees. The University is comprised of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business, the School of Education, the School of Pharmacy and the Divinity School. Campbell University was ranked in the top tier of “best universities in the south offering master’s degrees,” in U.S. News and World Report’s America’s Best Colleges (2008 edition), and named one of the “100 Best College Buys” in the nation by Institutional Research & Evaluation, Inc.

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