Dr. Kelli R. Brown, interim president of Valdosta State University, visited Augusta Technical College on Monday to celebrate what she hopes will be a lifelong Pathways Program partnership between the two institutions of higher education.
 
VSU and Augusta Technical College recently signed articulation agreements designed to simplify student transition for the Augusta Tech students who wish to continue their education at VSU. The Pathways Program partnership allows Augusta Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science in one or more of the approved programs 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 Augusta 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,” Brown shared. “We look forward to welcoming these students into our Blazer Nation family for many years to come.”
 
Augusta Technical College is committed to educating and graduating men and women who are ready for workforce success. It offers more than 100 associate degree, diploma, and certificate programs, as well as customized business and industry training, continuing education, economic development, and adult education services to the residents of Burke, Columbia, Lincoln, McDuffie, and Richmond counties. Since its founding in 1961, the college has worked to meet the ever-changing needs of new and existing business and industry by introducing new programs and updating facilities and equipment. Its cutting-edge academics, support services, and hands-on, real-world learning opportunities contribute to the economic and workforce development of East Central Georgia.

“This agreement between Augusta Technical College and Valdosta State University allows options for graduates of Augusta Tech to further their education for personal growth and lifelong learning opportunities for careers,” said Terry D. Elam, president of Augusta Technical College.
 
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 Augusta 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.