The long relationship between Lees-McRae College and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute expanded on Tuesday, Feb. 28 when Lees-McRae Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs Kevin Phillips and CCC&TI President Mark Poarch signed the latest articulation agreements between the institutions.
Four new agreements will strengthen and build upon a previously established memorandums of understanding and will provide even more opportunities for CCC&TI students to continue their education through the pursuit of a bachelor's degree at Lees-McRae.
Three of the agreements outline direct transfer for graduates of CCC&TI’s Emergency Management associate degree program into the Lees-McRae online bachelor’s in Criminal Justice program. The agreements apply to students graduating across three different branches of the Emergency Management program: those who earn Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) credits, Public Safety certificates and Criminal Justice certificates. The fourth agreement outlines direct transfer for graduates of the CCC&TI’s Human Services associate degree with a Mental Health Concentration to the Lees- McRae online bachelor’s degree in Human Services.
Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute President Dr. Mark Poarch, left, and Lees-McRae College Vice President for Enrollment and Student Affairs Kevin Phillips shake hands after signing a transfer agreement.
“CCC&TI and Lees-McRae College have had a tremendous partnership for many years,” Poarch said. “We are proud to expand that partnership and once again work together to ensure that our students have opportunities to further their education after completing their studies at CCC&TI.”
In addition to the association with the Lees-McRae Guaranteed Admission Program established through the direct transfer agreements, Lees-McRae offers discounted rates for students transferring through the program. A discount of $30 per credit hour is available for students entering an online degree completion program, and an additional $20 per credit hour discount is offered to law enforcement personnel, sworn police officers, registered nurses, healthcare personnel and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society members.
“By offering more pathways for students to continue their education into specific academic programs such as Criminal Justice and Human Services, Lees-McRae can help more and more students achieve academic and professional success,” Phillips said. “Our flexible course schedules and online offerings are ideal for CCC&TI students to earn their bachelor’s degrees in a quick timeframe at a very affordable cost. We hope to continue providing more opportunities and pathways in the future.”
In 2020, CCC&TI and Lees-McRae announced a new Guaranteed Admissions Program to provide students affordable access to higher education and additional support services during their time at CCC&TI for a successful transition to Lees-McRae. Providing a pathway for students who plan to earn a bachelor’s degree, the 2020 agreement also guarantees admission to Lees-McRae for CCC&TI students who complete certain two-year associate degrees.
Students seeking additional information on the CCC&TI, Lees-McRae agreements can contact Executive Director of Enrollment Management Dennis Seagle at 828-726-2705 or Student Engagement and Educational Partnerships Executive Director Jeff Link at 828-726-2606.