Valdosta State University signed articulation agreements with Athens Technical College on Monday, simplifying student transition between the two institutions of higher education.  
 
The Pathways Program agreement will allow Athens 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.
 
“This agreement provides Athens 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,” shared Dr. Kelli Brown, interim president of VSU. “We look forward to welcoming these students 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.
 
Athens Technical College is an Achieving the Dream institution of higher education, one committed to ensuring student success by providing individualized attention, closing the achievement gap, building momentum, and changing lives. Established in 1958, its mission is to provide educational programs and services through traditional and distance education methods to foster lifelong learning, facilitate workplace success, and promote economic development. With campuses in Athens, Elberton, Monroe, and Greensboro, its dedicated faculty and staff serve the educational, economic development, and business and industry needs of a 10-county area across Northeast Georgia. Some 10,000 students pursue associate degrees, diplomas, or technical certificates of credit in the more than 130 programs of study offered by the college each year.
 
“Athens Technical College is focused on student success, and we welcome opportunities to help guide them on their educational journeys,” said Dr. Andrea Daniel, president of Athens Technical College. “We are thrilled to announce this articulation agreement with Valdosta State University so that students can seamlessly transition from associate to bachelor’s degrees. We have had a great experience working with Valdosta State University to coordinate this agreement, and we are excited that our students will now have the opportunity to enroll in this outstanding institution.”
 
“This agreement is a tremendous opportunity for our students to continue to pursue their educational goals,” added Caroline Angelo, vice president of academic affairs at Athens Technical College. “The deans and I are very excited about this agreement and the future it opens up for the students.”
 
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 Athens 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.
 
With the addition of Athens Technical College, VSU has now signed Pathways Program articulation agreements with 18 Technical College System of Georgia institutions of higher education. The others are 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.