Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Georgia Piedmont Technical College on Monday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  
 
The Pathways Program agreement will allow Georgia Piedmont Technical College students with an Associate of Applied Science in one or more of the articulated 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.
 
“We are thrilled to be able to offer three clear, seamless paths for Georgia Piedmont Technical College graduates who wish to further their education and pursue a bachelor’s degree at Valdosta State University,” said Dr. Cecil P. Staton, interim president of VSU. “Higher education has never been more important in Georgia and across the United States. We are seeing a growing demand for citizens who are capable of more sophisticated, critical thinking and who possess problem-solving and interpersonal skills. Our faculty and staff are in the business of nurturing the next generation of thinkers, innovators, communicators, leaders, and more, and we look forward to welcoming our Georgia Piedmont Technical College friends 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.
 
Committed to preparing students for successful careers and maximizing student success since it was established in 1961, Georgia Piedmont Technical College is one of the oldest and most respected Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education. Its curriculum standards have been developed with direct involvement of business and industry, and its students graduate with the education, training, and skills necessary to enter the workplace ready to make a difference in their hiring companies and in the ever-changing global economy.  The college offers more than 40 programs leading to more than 140 opportunities to earn a certificate, diploma, and degree, as well as one of the largest adult literacy programs in the state. Courses are taught at 12 locations throughout DeKalb, Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan counties.

“Our college is committed to helping our students succeed educationally, and this transfer agreement with Valdosta State is a great opportunity,” said Dr. Jabari Simama, president of Georgia Piedmont Technical College. “I’m delighted we have launched such a productive and meaningful relationship between Valdosta State and Georgia Piedmont. Through these transfer agreements, our colleges are strengthening Georgia’s workforce by preparing graduates for 21st century careers.”

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 Georgia Piedmont 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 now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 17 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education — 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, Coastal Pines Technical College, Ogeechee Technical College, Southern Crescent Technical College, Southeastern Technical College, Georgia Northwestern Technical College, West Georgia Technical College, Chattahoochee Technical College, and Georgia Piedmont Technical College.