Jefferson College entered into agreements with four universities this school year that should make it easier for students to continue their education when they transfer to other institutions of higher learning.
The agreements were reached with the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, Lindenwood University, the University of Missouri-Columbia and Missouri State University.
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy
Jefferson College announced a new articulation agreement with the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis during a Jan. 25 signing event.
The agreement expands educational access to those who are interested in health science or pharmacy career fields by allowing students who complete an associate of science degree in biology at Jefferson College to enter into one of UHSP’s bachelor’s degree programs and/or the doctor of pharmacy degree program, Jefferson College President Dena McCaffrey said.
“This seamless pathway to a bachelor’s degree or doctor of pharmacy degree will not only expand opportunities for our graduates, but also will make an impact on the regional workforce, which relies heavily on qualified healthcare professionals,” McCaffrey said.
UHSP President David D. Allen said he is pleased with the agreement with Jefferson College.
“As UHSP expands its undergraduate program offerings and continues its efforts to become a transformational leader in health education and research, we are excited to form this partnership with Jefferson College,” he said. “We welcome this opportunity to provide Jefferson College students with the opportunity to explore their interests in health sciences and pharmacy with us, and to help equip them with the tools they need to become leaders and innovators who will impact health care locally, nationally and globally for many years to come.”
Lindenwood University
Also in January Jefferson College announced a new transfer partnership agreement with Lindenwood University, which is based in St. Charles, as part of Lindenwood’s Bridge Scholarships.
McCaffrey and Lindenwood President John Porter signed the agreement.
“Growing our partnerships with two-year schools is a benefit to both institutions and forms a bridge for students who are ready to continue their studies,” Porter said.
“This agreement is another way Jefferson College is working together with other regional institutions for the benefit of our students,” McCaffrey said. “The transfer articulation agreement provides students with a straightforward path to achieving their goals after graduation and aligns directly with the mission of Jefferson College.”
Jefferson College students who transfer to Lindenwood University within one year of completing their associate degree may qualify for the Tesson Ferry Scholarship, which is awarded up to $12,000 annually for full-time students who remain in good academic standing.
University of Missouri in Columbia
Last fall Jefferson College and the University of Missouri in Columbia announced a 2+2 articulation agreement for veterinary technology students.
The agreement allows students who earn an associate degree in veterinary technology at Jefferson College to automatically be admitted as juniors at Mizzou to pursue a newly created bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology.
“Missouri is an agriculture state, and we are proud of the support we receive from state legislators and the Missouri Farm Bureau,” McCaffrey said. “This is an example of public universities in Missouri supporting education that encourages workforce development opportunities in a growing field.”
In addition to current and incoming Jefferson College students, the agreement also applies to graduates of Jefferson College’s two-year Veterinary Technology program going back to 1978.
“Demand for veterinary technicians has grown in recent years, and we are proud to provide new educational opportunities that can keep vet techs engaged and remaining in the profession long term,” said Cindy Cravens, director of the Mizzou bachelor of science in veterinary technology program. “Our graduates will serve Missourians in both rural and urban parts of the state, helping fill the unmet needs of our state’s workforce.”
In addition to veterinary technology, Mizzou and Jefferson College have 2+2 articulation agreements for more than 15 other degree programs.
Missouri State University
Jefferson College entered into 2+2 articulation agreement last fall that makes it easier for student to transfer to Missouri State University in Springfield and complete a bachelor’s degree.
The agreement applies to Jefferson College students who seek to complete their degrees either online or in person at Missouri State’s campus.
“It’s a great opportunity to ensure the course work they take at Jefferson College smoothly transfers after they graduate from us and move on to Missouri State,” McCaffrey said. “We had not had as formalized partnership with Missouri State before.
“We’re just really excited. This opens up another opportunity for our students.”
Students will be assured that their Jefferson College courses will transfer for all programs through this new articulation agreement, she said.
“This new agreement creates a flexible pathway that removes barriers to academic success,” McCaffrey said.
Missouri State Provost Frank Einhellig visited the Jefferson College Hillsboro campus to sign the agreement.