08/27/24
Samford University and Gadsden State form seamless transfer, reverse transfer partnership for students pursuing four-year degrees
Gadsden, Ala. – With students such as Riley Hull already benefiting from student success partnerships formed between Samford University and Gadsden State Community College, the two colleges have formalized a partnership aimed at streamlining the path Gadsden State students take toward earning a bachelor’s degree at Samford.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) established by the colleges offers Gadsden State students guaranteed admission to Samford upon meeting the university's requirements. Samford has committed to providing transfer pathways, including Completer and Full Degree options, along with pre-transfer advising and scholarships to support the students’ transition.
The agreement is especially beneficial for students such as Hull, who completed a traditionally non-transferable technical degree program in paralegal students at Gadsden State and transfer the credits to Samford.
“My goal is to be a lawyer one day and so it means so much to have two schools invested in my success for the future,” said Hull. “We didn’t know how it would work out, so to see this agreement come in place for students for years to come really represents how education should work for all.”
In addition to the traditional bachelor’s degree path, the partnership encourages reverse transfer agreements, ensuring that Gadsden State is notified of students' academic progression so that students who transfer prior to graduating from Gadsden State can still earn their associate degree after completing a number of credit hours at Samford.
“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.
The Samford MOU is one of several available at Gadsden State with four-year universities that extends services provided to students who transfer beyond the state’s legislation, which requires that all core credit classes successfully completed at Alabama’s two-year colleges transfer to the state’s public four-year colleges and universities.
Dr. Kathy L. Murphy, President of Gadsden State, said, “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.”
Riley Hull is the first Gadsden State student to benefit from the Memorandum of Understanding with Samford University.
ABOUT GADSDEN STATE
Gadsden State is a public, open door, comprehensive community college that is comprised of five campuses or educational centers in Calhoun, Cherokee and Etowah counties. Gadsden State has a rich and illustrious history within the communities it serves. Administrators, faculty and staff work together to prepare students for direct-entry into the workplace or for transfer to a four-year university. The college is one of 24 colleges within the Alabama Community College System.