VSU, Oconee Fall Line Technical College Form Pathways Program Partnership

Pictured, from left to right, are Erica Harden, vice president of Academic and Student affairs for OFTC; Dr. Lloyd Horadan, president of OFTC; Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of VSU; and Dr. Brian Gerber, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.

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

The Pathways Program agreement will allow Oconee Fall Line 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 Oconee Fall Line 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,” shared Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of VSU. “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.

Oconee Fall Line Technical College is committed to guiding and assisting the residents of Bleckley, Dodge, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Laurens, Telfair, Warren, Washington, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties in their pursuit of career readiness and earning power. It offers more than 100 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, as well as specialized training through continuing education, contract training, and workshops. Its programs are guaranteed, developed in collaboration with business and industry, delivered via cutting-edge technology, and designed to contribute to the economic and workforce development of East Central Georgia.

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Valdosta State University,” said Dr. Lloyd Horadan, president of Oconee Fall Line Technical College. “Our goal is to offer a student-centered and career-driven education to those who walk through our doors, and this agreement with VSU will add to the opportunities our students will have to continue their education with a seamless transition from an associate to bachelor’s degree.”

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 Oconee Fall Line 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 Oconee Fall Line Technical College, VSU has now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 20 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, and Atlanta Technical College.

On the Web:

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

https://www.oftc.edu/

Articulated Programs

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, applied business technology, business management, business technology, computer support specialist criminal justice technology, early childhood care/education, electronics technology, machine tool technology, networking specialist, pharmacy technology, radiologic technology, and respiratory care are the articulated programs for Oconee Fall Line 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, applied business technology, business management, and business technology are the articulated programs for Oconee Fall Line Technical College students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology at Valdosta State University.