Samford University and Gadsden State Community College have formally partnered to simplify the journey for Gadsden State students seeking to earn a bachelor’s degree at Samford. The agreement, created in a newly established Memorandum of Understanding, ensures that eligible Gadsden State students will receive guaranteed admission to Samford provided they meet the university’s specified requirements.
This collaboration includes completer and full degree programs, pre-transfer advising, and scholarships aimed at easing students’ transition from a two-year to a four-year institution. Notably, the arrangement is particularly advantageous for those who have earned technical degrees at Gadsden State. These degrees are often regarded as non-transferable, but this agreement will allow them to seamlessly transfer their credits to Samford.
Seeing The Impact
Riley Hull, a Gadsden State paralegal studies student, is one student benefiting from the partnership.
“My goal is to be a lawyer one day, and it means so much to have two schools invested in my success for the future,” said student 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 easing traditional bachelor’s degree pathways, the MOU encourages reverse transfer agreements. This provision allows Gadsden State to remain informed about students’ academic progress, enabling those who transfer before graduating to obtain their associate degree after completing a designated number of credit hours at Samford.
Dr. Beck A. Taylor, President of Samford University, expressed the institution’s dedication to empowering students through education. “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.
The partnership with Samford University adds to Gadsden State’s list of collaborations with various four-year universities. The MOU extends beyond Alabama’s legislative requirements, which mandate that core credit classes completed at the state’s two-year colleges transfer to public four-year institutions. Dr. Kathy L. Murphy, President of Gadsden State, emphasized the college’s commitment to supporting student success. “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.