Averett University President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks and Piedmont Community College (PCC) President Dr. Pamela G. Senegal today signed an articulation agreement and a community educational partnership agreement between the two schools in order to make the transfer process to Averett smooth for graduates of PCC. These two agreements will bring the total to four between the two schools, which already provide options for Bachelor of Applied Science and Department of Nursing students.

The articulation agreement focuses on traditional students studying sociology and criminal justice, allowing for students who have completed PCC’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in criminal justice technology to transfer to Averett University and continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in sociology/criminal justice. The students will enter Averett with a junior status and can expect to graduate after completing a minimum of 60 credits at Averett.

The community educational partnership agreement, geared toward adult students entering Averett’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program, guarantees acceptance of any PCC student to Averett who has completed an associate’s degree. All the students are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

“At Averett University we are extremely pleased to embark on another market-driven partnership with our neighboring Piedmont Community College. Our shared goal is to provide pathways to careers for high-demand jobs,” said Franks. “This opportunity in sociology/criminal justice is in response to the current industry needs, and creates an easy transition for students who are expanding their knowledge and want to earn the next-level degree.”

Both the community educational partnership agreement and the articulation agreement allow for a seamless evolution for students to move onto a four-year university, including many scholarship and financial aid options. Members of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society, are automatically awarded a $2,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship once they are admitted to Averett University.

“Piedmont Community College students interested in sociology and criminal justice are being offered a wonderful opportunity with this new agreement with Averett University. In addition to their credits from PCC transferring seamlessly, students can also receive scholarship funding that will make continuing their education at a four-year institution a much more obtainable goal,” said Dr. Senegal.