Lipscomb among universities to join Tennessee Transfer Pathways Program
TICUA release |
Community college students who want to complete a bachelor’s degree now have more choices. The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities 
Association (TICUA) recently announced that Lipscomb University is one of 15 member institutions that have agreed to accept transfer students who follow the Pathways developed by the State for Tennessee community college graduates to transfer to Tennessee’s four-year universities.
“We are pleased to partner with Tennessee’s community colleges on this project. We are confident that community college students will be served well through our participation in this program and inclusion of the unique Pathways private colleges offer,” said Lipscomb President L. Randolph Lowry.
Although TICUA member institutions have always welcomed transfer students, this move clearly demonstrates the commitment of TICUA member institutions to provide opportunities for all students. In the coming months, TICUA anticipates additional members also will begin accepting the Pathways.
While not all pathways are available at each partnering institution, the addition of Pathways at private, non-profit colleges and universities increases choices for community college graduates. Together the 15 private, non-profit colleges will offer 41 of Tennessee’s 50 Pathways. Additionally, in the coming months the TICUA-member participating institutions will add several Pathways not currently offered by the state’s four-year universities, including writing communication, sign language, religion, interior design, fine art and philosophy.
In the fall of 2011, more than 1,200 students transferred to TICUA institutions from Tennessee community colleges. The acceptance of the state’s Pathways and creation of unique Pathways will increase the number of community college students who find that Tennessee’s private colleges and universities are a good fit for them to complete a bachelor’s degree.
Lincoln Memorial President Jim Dawson believes that “the Pathways line up well with the academic programs on our campus. Students now have another affordable way to earn a bachelor’s degree in Tennessee.”
TICUA President Claude O. Pressnell indicated that accepting the Pathways is a part of the nature of private colleges.
“Private colleges throughout Tennessee have as part of their missions serving students who are under-represented minorities, are from low-income families, or are first in their family to attend college. The acceptance of the Pathways is an extension of this model. Private colleges strive to find efficient, low-cost means to enable students to earn degrees,” he said.
Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan said, “We are pleased that these private colleges have joined this important program to meet the demands of our students across the state. The Transfer Pathways program helps students achieve their goals with guaranteed credit transfers. The more institutions that participate, the more options are available for students to succeed in reaching their educational goals.”
Pressnell added, “TICUA member institutions are a vibrant part of Tennessee’s higher education community. Public and private, non-profit colleges and universities will need to continue to work together to reach Tennessee’s goals of an educated citizenry.”
In support of the Complete College Tennessee Act of 2010, every student entering a community college in Tennessee can select one of 50 majors with accompanying transfer pathways, complete required courses, earn an associate’s degree, and transition seamlessly as a junior at a Tennessee public university. For more information about Tennessee Transfer Pathways, please visit www.tntransferpathway.org
TICUA member institutions currently accepting Pathways: Baptist College of Health Sciences (Memphis), Carson-Newman College (Jefferson City), Christian Brothers University (Memphis), Cumberland University (Lebanon), Freed-Hardeman University (Henderson), King College (Bristol), Lane College (Jackson), Lincoln Memorial University (Harrogate), Lipscomb University (Nashville), Martin Methodist College (Pulaski), Maryville College (Maryville), Milligan College (Milligan College), Tusculum College (Greeneville), Union University (Jackson) and Watkins College of Art, Design & Film (Nashville).