Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University have renewed and strengthened their long-standing partnership with a new agreement aimed at helping more students earn four-year degrees.

The memorandum of understanding was signed at Jacksonville State by Gadsden State President Alan Smith and JSU President Dr. Don Killingsworth, Jr. The agreement supports the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s Pathways to Progress Initiative, which encourages associate degree holders to continue on to bachelor’s programs.

Through the partnership, qualified Gadsden State graduates will receive guidance on transfer admissions, financial support available through the initiative, and help navigating the steps needed to enroll at Jacksonville State.

President Smith said the agreement gives students a clearer pathway to continue their education, while President Killingsworth called it an important step in meeting the state’s need for more four-year graduates.

The initiative will provide personalized communication to eligible students, and Gadsden State will inform recent graduates about the opportunities available. The agreement renews annually, but funding for Pathways to Progress is limited.

More information is available at https://www.jsu.edu/academicaffairs/