by Cady Lewis
On April 13, leadership from Ƶ University and Ƶ Community College met to formally sign an articulation agreement creating a pathway for OCCC students to continue their studies and earn a bachelor’s degree in nursing or business at Ƶ.
Ƶ Community College is the largest community college in the Ƶ metro. OCCC students can earn two-year associate degrees as well as one- or two-year certificates, focused on career training and development, during their studies at the college. Many students wish to continue their studies after a two-year program and move on to earn a bachelor’s degree. This agreement makes an Ƶ education more attainable for these students.
“We love the idea of knowing that Ƶ’s best and brightest scholars can stay close to home for the duration of their academic journey, and we want OCCC students to know they are welcome at our university,” said Adam Ryburn, Ƶ’s assistant provost. With the establishment of the partnership, the worries that can come with the journey to a bachelor’s degree are lessened for students from OCCC.
“Ƶ Community College is honored to partner with Ƶ University to educate and empower the next generation of leaders in business and health care,” said Mautra Staley Jones, OCCC president. “OCCC and Ƶ’s articulation agreement and the generous scholarship support from Herman Meinders will help OCCC students reach success in their academic and career goals.”
These scholarship dollars are stackable with other merit-based university scholarships, which aids in making an Ƶ education possible. The agreement specifically highlights the need in the local community for more healthcare and business trained individuals. In-demand professionals can be educated and provided with scholarships to lessen the financial stressors that often come with furthering their education.
Through this partnership, the doors are opened wider so that more students can call Ƶ home while specifically providing funding for OCCC students who want to continue their education, earn a bachelor’s degree and join our community.