Representatives from John Brown University and NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) signed a memorandum of understanding today to facilitate a seamless transfer of courses from NWACC to JBU. The partnership creates a pathway for students to earn an associate’s degree from NWACC and then complete their bachelor’s degree at JBU, as well as reverse transfer credit so that students are able to complete their associates degree from NWACC.

Formed out of a mutual desire to serve students in our community, the agreement allows students to transfer into any of JBU’s traditional undergraduate programs on JBU’s Siloam Springs campus, or JBU’s online undergraduate programs.

“The articulation agreement 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.”

By clarifying transfer policies and procedures through this formal transfer agreement, JBU and NWACC engage in a shared commitment to increasing opportunities for student access to and success in higher education. The institutions will assist students so that they are not required to retake courses already achieved.

“This partnership with John Brown University continues our relationship that greatly benefits NWACC students. Our students have a strong desire to stay in Northwest Arkansas and JBU is a great option for many of them to continue their education and achieve their goals,” Dr. Ricky Tompkins, NWACC’s vice president of learning and CAO, said.

This agreement also creates a smooth transition for NWACC students participating in the ADHE Regional Workforce Implementation Program for construction management. This agreement will be reviewed and updated yearly, as JBU and NWACC add new programs and make updates.

“We believe that this strategic collaboration will build new pathways for students to achieve their academic goals and will create stronger community relations in NWA and the surrounding areas,” Dr. Stacey Duke, JBU’s dean of online undergraduate programs and strategic initiatives, said.

NorthWest Arkansas Community College is a smart choice for students wanting to pursue quality higher education. As an accredited institution through The Higher Learning Commission, NWACC is a public two-year institution that serves and strengthens its surrounding communities in Benton and Washington counties by helping our students maximize their potential and exceed expectations. With state-of-the-art facilities, NWACC provides excellent academic instruction and workforce training needed to succeed, offering personalized attention from highly respected faculty, staff, and administrators. For more information, visit nwacc.edu.

John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked regional university (U.S. News Best Colleges, 2017), JBU enrolls more than 2,700 students from 40 states and 37 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, degree completion and concurrent education programs. JBU offers more than 39 majors, with top programs including business administration, graphic design, engineering, construction management, counseling, teacher education and nursing.

Representatives from JBU and NWACC (from left to right) NWACC Vice President of Learning and CAO Dr. Ricky Tompkins, NWACC President Dr. Evelyn Jorgenson, JBU President Dr. Chip Pollard and JBU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ed Ericson signed a memorandum of understanding today to facilitate a seamless transfer of courses from NWACC to JBU.