Catawba College and Rowan-Cabarrus Community College are making history with their new Learn Local, Grow Local program that will provide graduates from Rowan-Cabarrus guaranteed admission to Catawba College and transfer with junior standing into more than 30 different programs. Additionally, Catawba College guarantees daytime students at least 50 percent tuition and fees in scholarships and grants to RCCC graduates with at least a 3.5 GPA.
Local education leaders, the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, the Salisbury City Council and other community leaders will attend the signing by Carol Spalding, President of RCCC, and Brien Lewis, President of Catawba.
Beginning with the fall 2020 semester, RCCC students with Junior Class standing will be able to transfer to Catawba in more than 18 different programs, including, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Communications, Birth-Kindergarten Education, Digital Media Production, Economics and Finance, Environment & Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Information Technology, and Management, Marketing, Nursing, Psychology, and Sociology. The agreement provides students with a clear list of courses that they need to take, and they will be eligible to apply for scholarships at both colleges.
“The agreement between our two institutions puts students first by supporting them in their academic careers with structured pathways that will lead to a baccalaureate degree,” said
Dr. Carol Spalding, President of RCCC. “And they do not have to leave home – they can achieve their college dreams right here in Rowan County.”
Brien Lewis, President of Catawba, emphasized Catawba’s strong connection to and support for the Rowan County community. “Catawba is always focused on financial accessibility, especially for those who grow up, live, and work in our local area,” he said. “As we move forward into this next generation of partnership with RCCC, we know their students will be well prepared for success at Catawba College, and we look forward to adding additional chapters to this valuable partnership over the coming months.”
Dr. Jared Tice, Senior Vice President & Dean of Students at Catawba, said that the articulation agreement further strengthens the College’s stay local initiatives by guaranteeing admission to Catawba provided the RCCC graduate has completed their degree with at least a 2.0 grade point average and is in good standing with both Colleges. “The 50 different pathways offered in this agreement to RCCC graduates into our programs of study allow greater access and ease of transition to our outstanding Catawba Experience inside and outside the classroom,” Tice added.
Dr. Jeff Bowe, Dean of Distance and Online Education at Catawba College, emphasized the commitment of the “Learn Local, Grow Local” agreement. “We want students to know this is not just an agreement on paper,” he said. “Advisors and faculty at each college are ready to help mentor students through the process, from starting their associates’ degrees to graduating from Rowan-Cabarrus, to transferring to Catawba and earning their bachelors degree – we are with them each step of the way.”
Jenn Selby, Executive Director of Transfer & University Partnerships at RCCC, said that one of the most unique things about Rowan County is the presence of so many high quality colleges. “This is a common-sense partnership that has the potential to enrich our entire community through the power of learning,” she said. “I am so excited to help students in this way, and I am so proud of my community for recognizing this need and responding to it. Working with Catawba employees has felt like working with family.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the program at Catawba College should contact Alycia Parsons, Assistant Director for Admissions, Transfer and Non-Traditional populations at aparsons19@catawba.edu for undergraduate day program enrollment or Dr. Jeff Bowe at jjbowe@catawba.edu for evening and online program enrollment.
View Articulation Degree Pathways
