Partnership with Catawba College to Help DCCC Graduates Earn Four-Year Degrees

March 28, 2008

With the formal signing of an articulation agreement between Davidson County Community College and Catawba College March 25th, DCCC graduates will find it easier to transfer to Catawba to earn four-year degrees.

The partnership provides a vehicle for the efficient transfer of DCCC course credits to Catawba College in evening study career programs such as Early Childhood Education, Business Administration, and others.

Catawba College President Dr. Robert Knott and Dr. Mary E. Rittling, DCCC President, sign an articulation agreement March 25 at DCCC to formalize transfer opportunities for DCCC graduates to attend Catawba College.

In addition, the “Transfer with Ease” articulation agreement with Catawba College allows graduates of DCCC’s Associate in Arts degree program to transfer credits into several of Catawba’s bachelor degree programs. With this option, Associate of Arts graduates may enter several day programs at Catawba to pursue the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree programs.

Dr. Robert Knott, president of Catawba College, praised the partnership that began in its initial phase in fall 2006. “When Catawba began to explore this partnership, DCCC expressed a great interest. Today’s articulation agreement ensures the courses they are taking will transfer when they enroll with us,” said Knott.

Dr. Mary E. Rittling, president of DCCC, remarked that the agreement will help promote the idea that DCCC is the first step on the higher educational ladder. “We have had several years to enhance our relationship with Catawba to offer early childhood and education career laddering for many more students. We want them to know DCCC is just the first step toward a bachelor’s degree and then a master’s degree,” Rittling said.

During the signing ceremony, Edith Bolick, dean of Catawba College’s Evening and Graduate Studies, complimented the caliber of DCCC graduates who work during the day and attend Catawba classes in the evening. “Thank you for your great students who add so much to our evening program. They are so engaged and so energetic, and our format works well for them. The evening program offers a reduced tuition rate and specialized TEACH Scholarships.”

Lyn Boulter, Catawba College administrator and psychology professor, noted the growing numbers of DCCC students who transfer to Catawba. “We had six DCCC students in our evening program when we first began the partnership in fall 2006. Now we have 42 students and 60 percent are from DCCC. We are so appreciative of the seamless relationship with your college to help these students complete their four-year degrees.”

Bette Newsome, dean of DCCC Instructional Services, told the Catawba representatives of the recent academic department reorganization. “We have reorganized to house all our teacher preparation programs and services under one roof,” she said.

Headed by Judy Zimmerman, the new structure will help DCCC support students who come to DCCC with an interest in teaching as a career. “Our goal is to enhance the support of students from the time they enter DCCC until they graduate and are ready to continue their education at a senior college or university,” said Zimmerman, associate dean of Education and Service Technology at DCCC.

She noted the necessity of helping students who enter DCCC’s two-year programs understand the importance of setting their long-term education goals.

“Our faculty work with students right away to help them set goals beyond completing a certificate or associate degree,” Zimmerman said. “It is very rewarding to work with recent high school graduates as well as adults who just two or three years ago, were working in a factory. In many instances, these students have successfully earned an associate degree and are working toward their bachelor degree. In some cases, they already plan to go on to complete graduate degrees. These students will become the teachers who help us meet the educational challenges in our community.”

For more information, contact Zimmerman at 336.249-8186, ext. 6219 or email her at jzimm@davidsonccc.edu