Officials from Northeast Alabama Community College (NACC) and the University of Alabama-Huntsville recently signed partnerships to provide pathways to college completion, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. The partnership permits NACC students to enroll simultaneously at both institutions to work toward the completion of their associate (NACC) and bachelor’s (UAH) degrees.
“We are very pleased to announce this partnership,” stated NACC President Dr. David Campbell. “UAH is an outstanding educational institution with highly respected programs. Indeed, UAH graduates receive among the top starting salaries among universities throughout the state and Southeast region. This partnership is a great opportunity for our students.”
Officials at both institutions are hopeful that the Pathways agreement will result particularly in a larger number of engineering graduates to serve the workforce in Huntsville and the North Alabama region. Indeed, under the terms of the Pathways program agreement, NACC students may take their basic engineering course (EGR 101) through Northeast and transfer the course for credit to UAH. Not only that, but UAH provides a tuition scholarship to make up any difference between the course costs at the two colleges. Other courses signed off on through the Pathways agreement will receive the same tuition scholarship from UAH. Northeast Students may enroll up to 12 hours of UAH coursework to be delivered on-site at NACC or via online education. Northeast students must maintain a 3.00 grade point average to qualify for this program.
This dual enrollment arrangement permits participating NACC students to receive a UAH Chargers Student ID Card and allows them to attend UAH events and utilize other UAH resources. As a part of the Pathways program, students at area high schools will be encouraged to pursue engineering careers and to pursue them by enrolling at UAH or NACC. In essence, acceptance into the Pathways program is equivalent to be enrolled as a student at both institutions. As a complement to this partnership, NACC and UAH officials also signed a Reverse Transfer Agreement whereby students may transfer credit back to Northeast from UAH to complete their associate degree.
“Faculty, staff, and administrators here at Northeast have worked closely with UAH officials to establish this program,” Campbell stated. “It is a very well thought out program and has been carefully designed. “We especially thank UAH President Dr. Robert Altenkirch, Provost Dr. Christine Curtis, and Associate Provost Dr. Brent Wren of UAH for all their work with us on this program. The program is a great asset to our area and demonstrates the tremendous benefits that can be gained for students through these type of educational partnerships. Thanks also to State Board member Mary Scott Hunter for helping us arrange our discussions.”
NACC and UAH officials also signed collaborative agreements between NACC and UAH include Reverse Transfer and extended articulation/transfer considerations. The Reverse Transfer program is for NACC students who may transfer before earning the Associate’s Degree. Credit completed at UAH may be transferred back to NACC for the Associate’s Degree award.
UAH is well known for its outstanding science and engineering programs. Northeast in recent years has focused increasingly on these programs, opening a state-of-the-art Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Technology Center in 2014. ”This partnership with UAH demonstrates our efforts to excel in STEM related education,” stated NACC Vice President/Dean of Instruction Dr. Joe Burke. The student-friendly STEM Center features modern science, mathematics, and computer laboratories, classrooms, and interactive study areas.
For more information about the UAH/NACC Pathways program, please contact the NACC Admissions Office at 256-638-4418 or 256-228-6001 extension 2225, or the Vice-President/Dean of Instruction’s office at the previous numbers, extension 2240.
For additional information about Northeast, see the college’s web site at www.nacc.eduor download the college’s free App at the Apple App Store or by going towww.naccmobile.com.
