University, TVCC become partners; help students with 4-year degrees

Officials from the University and Trinity Valley Community College announced a partnership to help students earn a four-year degree, according to a University press release.

“The main objective of this partnership is to simplify the process of earning a four-year degree so that when TVCC students graduate and enroll at UT Tyler they know that those credits will transfer,” University President Rodney Mabry said.  “They also know what course they will need to complete at UT Tyler.”

Officials intend for the partnership to provide students with a roadmap of courses to complete at TVCC during their freshman and sophomore years. The partnership also works as a clearing list of the remaining University courses during their junior and senior year leading to the completion of a bachelor’s degree, according to a University press release.

“This is a tremendous benefit for our students and will allow them to more easily earn their bachelor’s degree,” TVCC President Glendon Forgey said. This agreement is intended to create a seamless transfer process, support concurrent enrollment when appropriate and assist students in completing their educational objectives, according to the press release.

TVCC enrolls more than 12,000 students annually.  The college offers associate degrees, certificates of proficiency and workforce training programs, according to the press release.

“Student success is the top priority for both institutions,” Dr. Peter J. Fos, University provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, said. “We want all students to benefit from the fine academic programs offered at both TVCC and UT Tyler and give them the opportunity to earn a four-year degree.  There’s no need for any student to have to leave the area to earn that four-year degree.”

The University provides similar plans for Tyler Junior College students, after a similar agreement announced in late November.