In order to enhance opportunities for students and help fulfill the needs of the region’s employers, Averett University, Patrick Henry Community College (PHCC) and New College Institute (NCI) announced today they are entering into an agreement that will provide a seamless path for PHCC applied science graduates to enroll in Averett’s applied sciences baccalaureate program. The partnership was developed out of the shared commitment to the region, and in response to the needs of the region’s workforce.
Averett will now offer its Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Leadership Studies program through online instruction to students who have graduated from PHCC’s Associate of Applied Science program. In addition, Averett and NCI will work together to offer students face-to-face support and other learning opportunities at NCI in Martinsville.
“One of the greatest benefits of this degree is it helps those with applied science associate degrees to seamlessly take the final few steps needed to earn their baccalaureate degree so they are now poised to be promoted and move into positions of management and leadership within their workplaces,” said Averett President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks. “We are grateful to our wonderful colleagues at PHCC and NCI who share in our vision of developing students who will continue to live and work here, and give back to this region we all love.”
“We are so excited to embrace this new articulation agreement between PHCC and Averett University for a bachelor’s degree focusing on leadership studies,” said Dr. Angeline Godwin, president of PHCC. “We appreciate NCI’s partnership in facilitating this new opportunity, for this academic collaboration will certainly benefit our many students who transfer to Averett.”
PHCC applied science graduates with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher who apply will receive a guaranteed automatic acceptance to Averett, and will be able to transfer almost all academic credits and granted junior level status. Upon acceptance, they can expect to graduate from Averett with their bachelor’s after the successful completion of at least 30 semester hours. The agreement is effective immediately.
“The new program represents a strong partnership between Averett, PHCC and NCI as well as a mutual commitment to bettering our regional workforce through collaboration,” said Dr. Leanna Blevins, executive director of NCI. “It will open doors for a myriad of individuals with applied associates degrees by enhancing their career opportunities in our region.”
The program and partnership was developed directly from feedback from local employers and will greatly impact regional workforce development.
“Bassett Furniture’s growth is creating new opportunities for employment in Martinsville-Henry County. Many of the concentrations available in the Bachelors of Applied Science program would certainly help us in meeting our future employment needs. It is exciting to see the partnership between the schools to offer this degree program to the community, said Eddie White, vice president of human resources at Bassett Furniture.