VSU, Coastal Pines Technical College Form Pathways Program Partnership

Pictured, from left to right, are Amanda Morris, vice president for Academic Affairs at Coastal Pines Technical College; Dr. Glenn Deibert, president of Coastal Pines Technical College; Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of Valdosta State University; and Dr. Brian Gerber, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Valdosta State University.

VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Coastal Pines Technical College on Thursday, Dec. 8, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  

The Pathways Program agreement will allow Coastal Pines 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 Coastal Pines 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.

A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Coastal Pines Technical College was established on July 1, 2014, from the merger of Altamaha Technical College (established in 1989) and Okefenokee Technical College (established in 1965). It has campuses in Waycross, Alma, Kingsland, Hazlehurst, Baxley, Brunswick, and Jesup and is committed to supporting the workforce development and lifelong learning needs of the citizens, businesses, and industries that call Southeast Georgia home.  It offers degree, diploma, and technical certificate of credit programs in the business, computer, allied health, professional service, technical, and industrial fields, as well as customized business and industry training, continuing education, economic development, and adult education services.

“Coastal Pines Technical College is proud to enter into this partnership with Valdosta State University, which will allow our Associate of Applied Science degree graduates to transfer into one of Valdosta State University's Bachelor of Applied Science and Bachelor of Science degrees,” shared Dr. Glenn Deibert, president of Coastal Pines Technical College. “The agreement provides another seamless opportunity for our graduates to continue their education and achieve their career goals.”

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 Coastal Pines 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.

VSU has also signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 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, 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, Oconee Fall Line Technical College, and Augusta Technical College.

Articulated Programs

• Associate of Applied Science degrees in accounting, business technology, clinical laboratory technology, computer support specialist, criminal justice technology, culinary arts, early childhood care and education, engineering technology, forest technology, marketing management, networking specialist, paralegal studies, radiologic technology, railroad systems management technology, respiratory care technology, surgical technology, and technical studies are the articulated programs for Coastal Pines 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 technology, and marketing management are the articulated programs for Coastal Pines Technical College students who wish to pursue a Bachelor of Science in office administration and technology at Valdosta State University.