Representatives from John Brown University and Carl Albert State College (CASC) signed a memorandum of understanding today to facilitate a seamless transfer of courses from CASC to JBU. The partnership creates a pathway for students to earn an associate’s degree from CASC and then complete their bachelor’s degree at JBU.
Formed out of a mutual desire to serve students, the agreement allows students to enter into JBU’s traditional undergraduate programs on the main campus in Siloam Springs, or JBU’s Degree Completion Programs in Fort Smith and online.
“The memorandum of understanding is an excellent example of the power of private/public partnerships that make higher education in the U.S. the envy of the world,” Dr. Ed Ericson, JBU’s vice president for academic affairs, said. “JBU looks forward to building on this agreement to establish a healthy and long-lasting partnership to allow students the opportunity to further their higher educational careers.”
The agreement outlines which CASC courses JBU accepts so that transfer students are not required to retake courses already achieved. CASC offers programs for students to continue their specialized study at JBU in business administration, biblical and theological studies, youth ministry, kinesiology, organizational leadership and psychology.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for CASC students to pursue an education at an institution with a strong legacy and reputation,” Dr. Jason Morrison, CASC’s vice president for academic affairs, said. “I feel there will be great interest among our service area students in advancing their
education in youth ministries and biblical studies, along with kinesiology, sociology and business. This is a win-win for our students.”
Students must complete 45 credit hours in their designated program courses at CASC and apply to JBU with a GPA of 2.5 or higher to be eligible for admission at JBU.
“We believe that this integral collaboration will build new pathways for students to achieve their academic goals and will create stronger community relations in Fort Smith and the surrounding areas,” Dr. Stacey Duke, JBU’s dean of degree completion programs and coordinator of online initiatives, said.
Carl Albert State College is a two year community college located in Poteau, Oklahoma, Sallisaw, Oklahoma and online. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, the college provides students a great education, and has one of the most competitive tuition rates in the region. Carl Albert offers a number of associate’s degrees as well as certificates for students in planning their course of study. With the college’s thriving virtual campus and its approval by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements, Carl Albert State College is accessible for students from just about any location.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Ranked No. 2 among Southern regional colleges by U.S. News, JBU enrolls more than 2,700 students from 42 states and 39 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 50 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.
