Contact: Jack Bailey (304) 766-4109

INSTITUTE, W.Va. – West Virginia State University (WVSU) and BridgeValley Community and Technical College signed an agreement today allowing students who complete an associate’s degree a smoother transition to earning a bachelor’s degree.
Through the new Straight 2 STATE program, BridgeValley students who earn an associate’s degree will be guaranteed admission into WVSU and into their selected major. In addition, all of their academic credits will transfer and be credited toward their degree.
The agreement becomes effective with the fall 2018 semester.
“I am honored to be partnering with President Bellinger and the BridgeValley community. Through our partnership and this first of its kind program, WVSU and BridgeValley are seeking to increase access and the number of students who earn a college education, decrease the time to earning a bachelor’s degree, and saving students’ time and money,” said WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins. “Our program, through the power of partnerships, addresses another significant problem. While the majority of college freshmen in America today begin at two-year community colleges, all of their credits often do not transfer to four-year institutions. According to some studies, some students lose up to 90 percent of their credits when they transfer to a four-year institution. The Straight 2 STATE program will curtail that.”
Dr. Eunice Bellinger, President of BridgeValley said, “BridgeValley shares West Virginia State University’s commitment to making a quality college education accessible for every West Virginia student from every background. Our students will now have even more options when it comes to completing a bachelor’s degree. We’re excited to partner with West Virginia State University to offer a seamless transition to our students seeking to further their education.”
Dr. Paul L. Hill, Chancellor of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, said, “West Virginia has a tremendous need for college graduates if we hope to attract new employers. The statistics don’t lie: Advanced degrees create more opportunities for promotion and higher salaries. We applaud programs that make it easier for West Virginia students to continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree and beyond.”
Dr. Sarah Tucker, Chancellor of the West Virginia Council for Community and Technical Education, said, “Students excited about learning and ready to pursue a new path for their lives should have every opportunity to do so within our state. We are thrilled when institutions come together like this to provide students with a clear and seamless path toward the future.”
BridgeValley students shall express interest and enroll in the Straight 2 STATE program by the end of their first semester. At the conclusion of their first semester, BridgeValley students in the program will be paired with a WVSU advisor who will co-advise the student to facilitate a smooth transition into the University.
In addition, BridgeValley students participating in Straight 2 STATE will have the opportunity to join WVSU student organizations, engage in programs and live in University housing.
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