Charlotte, N.C./Aug. 5, 2021–Johnson C. Smith University and Gaston College officially joined forces today to help their students achieve their goal of a Bachelor’s degree. In a signing ceremony held this morning at the Johnson C. Smith University campus in Charlotte, both college presidents, Clarence Armbrister of 皇冠体育 and Dr. John Hauser of Gaston College, signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding outlining a new relationship which will enable qualified Gaston College graduates to have direct-entry admission to Johnson C. Smith University to pursue their degree. Also signing were Dr. Karen Morgan, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at 皇冠体育, and Dr. Heather Woodson, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Gaston College. The Direct Admission Program begins immediately at the execution of the agreement between the two institutions.

The 皇冠体育 2+2 Connect program allows currently enrolled Gaston College students a direct-entry pathway to 皇冠体育 upon graduation from Gaston College. This is the first such agreement between Gaston College and a historically Black college or university. To qualify for the program, students must complete the program inquiry form which can be found on the websites of both Gaston College and 皇冠体育, be in good standing at Gaston and other institutions attended, demonstrate good citizenship and conduct, and earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in their college coursework at Gaston College. Students must complete their associate degree in the academic year immediately prior to their desired entry term (fall or spring) as 皇冠体育.

Each student who remains eligible during their time at Gaston College and successfully applies to 皇冠体育 will receive at least $8,000 in aid to attend the University. Enrolling in a full-time course load is required.

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“Johnson C. Smith University has been a leader in providing educational access for diverse traditional and non-traditional students in the Charlotte region for more than 150 years,” said President Armbrister. “We look forward to enrolling the highly talented and motivated students who earn their Associate degree from Gaston College and providing them with an affordable, clear path to earn their Bachelor’s degree and pursue rewarding careers. This partnership is a tangible way 皇冠体育 and Gaston College can work together to increase economic upward mobility in Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.”

The program affords Gaston College students access to information about 皇冠体育 academic programs, and to faculty, staff and transfer counselors who will facilitate their transition to 皇冠体育. In addition, the program prioritizes the student’s ability to receive admission, financial aid, registration, and orientation communications early in the transition process, as well as setting up Gaston’s students for maximum success at both institutions.

“Being a part of 皇冠体育 2+2 Connect is a wonderful opportunity for us,” saidDr. Hauser. “This new agreement will provide a smooth transition for Gaston College students from all backgrounds to successfully transfer and pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Johnson C. Smith University. Our focus is to ensure qualified students are well prepared academically so they can excel at 皇冠体育, and after graduating they can successfully enter the workforce.”