Georgia Southwestern, South Georgia Tech sign new articulation agreement

AMERICUS, GA - Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) and South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) officials signed a new articulation agreement for several academic programs in an effort to provide a more seamless transition for students between the two higher educational institutions. The agreement was signed on the Georgia Southwestern State University Campus. Georgia Southwestern State University President Dr. Neal Weaver and South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford were joined by cabinet officials from both institutions to celebrate the expanded articulation agreement that will benefit both GSW and SGTC and the entire community. Programs contained within in the new agreement include business administration, criminal justice, early childhood education, information technology, nursing and general core courses. This agreement is designed to ensure a smooth transition for students from SGTC to GSW in the outlined coursework. “South Georgia Technical College is one of our most important partners,” said GSW President Neal Weaver. “The success of our community is tied very closely to the success of both institutions. This new agreement will provide for a seamless transfer process for students from South Georgia Tech who wish to earn a bachelor’s degree at Georgia Southwestern. As a result, students who began their college career in the Americus community will remain here.” “I would like to echo Dr. Weaver’s statement,” said South Georgia Technical College President Dr. John Watford. “This articulation agreement is good for both Georgia Southwestern State University and South Georgia Technical College as well as our community. Americus is very fortunate to have ‘two great educational choices’ and this is a tremendous boost for current and potential students as well as for business and industry. Between Georgia Southwestern State University and South Georgia Technical College we should be able to meet the demands for a trained workforce. We appreciate Dr. Weaver and the Georgia Southwestern administration and faculty and staff who have worked to make this become a reality.” This new agreement represents a strong history of collaboration between the two institutions. Since 2008, for instance, the “Two Great Choices – One Great Community” campaign has raised approximately $130,000 for local scholarships at both GSW and SGTC. “We are very pleased to strengthen our partnership with South Georgia Technical College with this new articulation agreement,” said Lynda Lee Purvis, GSW interim VP for Academic Affairs. “Our goal is to make sure that every student who transfers from South Georgia Tech to Georgia Southwestern experiences a seamless process. We want all of our students to succeed academically, and eliminating potential barriers when transferring will help them to so.” “This articulation agreement is a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said South Georgia Technical College Vice President of Academic Affairs David Kuipers. “This will allow our students to be able to expand their knowledge base and continue their education locally and the programs that are identified in the agreement will be beneficial to business and industry in this community.” The new agreement will be effective immediately.