Samford University and Gadsden State Community College Forge Partnership to Enhance Pathways to Four-Year Degrees

Gadsden, AL – Samford University and Gadsden State Community College have solidified a partnership designed to streamline the transition for Gadsden State students seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at Samford. The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), guarantees Gadsden State students admission to Samford upon meeting the university’s requirements, providing a clear pathway for academic advancement.

The MOU outlines several key initiatives aimed at supporting students during their transfer process. These include transfer pathways, such as Completer and Full Degree options, pre-transfer advising, and scholarship opportunities. The agreement is already benefiting students like Riley Hull, who transferred credits from a non-traditional technical degree in paralegal studies at Gadsden State to continue his education at Samford.

“My goal is to be a lawyer one day, and it means so much to have two schools invested in my success for the future,” Hull shared. “We didn’t know how it would work out, so to see this agreement in place for students for years to come really represents how education should work for all.”

In addition to facilitating a traditional bachelor’s degree path, the partnership also encourages reverse transfer agreements. This ensures that Gadsden State is notified of students’ academic progress at Samford, allowing those who transfer before completing their associate degree to still earn it after accumulating a certain number of credits at the four-year institution.

“Higher education is all about serving the students today who will lead the achievements of tomorrow, and this agreement reflects our commitment to educational excellence for students who begin their journey at Gadsden State and continue through Samford,” said Dr. Beck A. Taylor, President of Samford University.

This agreement is part of a broader effort by Gadsden State to extend support for students transferring to four-year universities, complementing existing state legislation that mandates the transfer of core credit classes from Alabama’s two-year colleges to the state’s public four-year institutions.

Dr. Kathy L. Murphy, President of Gadsden State, emphasized the importance of such partnerships. “Gadsden State is committed to developing every avenue with our four-year partners that ensures and enhances our students’ experiences for success, and this MOU is a significant step in expanding those opportunities,” she said. “We are proud our students will have the support and resources both at the two-year level and the four-year level to achieve their educational and career goals.”

This partnership between Samford and Gadsden State represents a significant advancement in providing students with the resources and support needed to succeed in higher education, ensuring that their academic and career aspirations are within reach.

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