VSU, Augusta Technical College Celebrate Pathways Program Partnership

Pictured is Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of Valdosta State University, with Terry D. Elam, president of Augusta Technical College.

VALDOSTA — Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of Valdosta State University, visited Augusta Technical College on Monday to celebrate what she hopes will be a lifelong Pathways Program partnership between the two institutions of higher education.

VSU and Augusta Technical College recently signed articulation agreements designed to simplify student transition for the Augusta Tech students who wish to continue their education at VSU. The Pathways Program partnership allows Augusta Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science in one or more of the 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.

“This agreement provides Augusta Technical College students with one more option to further expand their education and enter Georgia's workforce with the knowledge and the critical-thinking, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills needed to be successful,” Brown shared. “We look forward to welcoming these students 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.

Augusta Technical College is committed to educating and graduating men and women who are ready for workforce success. It offers more than 100 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, as well as customized business and industry training, continuing education, economic development, and adult education services to the residents of Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond counties. Since its founding in 1961, the college has worked to meet the ever-changing needs of new and existing business and industry by introducing new programs and updating facilities and equipment. Its cutting-edge academics, support services, and hands-on, real-world learning opportunities contribute to the economic and workforce development of East Central Georgia.

“This agreement between Augusta Technical College and Valdosta State University allows options for graduates of Augusta Tech to further their education for personal growth and lifelong learning opportunities for careers,” said Terry D. Elam, president of Augusta 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 Augusta 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.

With the addition of Augusta Technical College, VSU has now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 21 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education. The others are Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, South Georgia Technical College, Southern Regional Technical College, Albany Technical College, Savannah Technical College, Gwinnett Technical College, Central Georgia Technical College, Lanier Technical College, North Georgia Technical College, Coastal Pines Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College, Southern Crescent Technical College, Southeastern Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, West Georgia Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, Georgia Piedmont Technical College, Athens Technical College, Atlanta Technical College, and Oconee Fall Line Technical College.

On the Web:

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

http://www.augustatech.edu/

Articulated Programs

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, agribusiness, applied technical management, architectural and engineering drafting technology, aviation maintenance technology, business management, business technology, cardiovascular technology, chemical technology, computer programming, computer support specialist, criminal justice, cybersecurity, design and media production technology, diagnostic medical sonography, early childhood care/education, electrical and computer engineering technology, electronics technology, fire science technology, golf course management, health information management technology, horticulture, industrial systems technology, marketing management,  mechanical engineering technology, networking specialist, nuclear engineering technology, nursing, occupational therapy assistant, paralegal studies, pharmacy technology, radiologic technology, and respiratory care technology are the articulated programs for Augusta 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, business technology, health information management technology, and marketing management are the articulated programs for Augusta Technical College students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology at Valdosta State University.