@uab_blazers ? The Bridge to Business Transfer Program at UAB Collat School of Business is designed to facilitate a seamless transition for transfer students. Led by Laura Tull, the personal connections within the B2B program allow students to build a network within UAB's community before they even get on campus and help them find their community through the process. #GoBlazers #BridgeToBusiness #TransferStudent #ApplyToUAB ♬ original sound - UAB Blazers
Making the leap to a four-year university might seem overwhelming for some, but programs like the Bridge to Business Transfer Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Collat School of Business is designed to facilitate a seamless transition for community college students aspiring to earn their bachelor’s degree.
The B2B Program offers invaluable resources at no cost to students, with the aim of ensuring a successful transfer to UAB. Community college students can register online for the B2B Program to receive access to a wide range of benefits and opportunities.
Laura Tull, director of Transfer Student Success in the Collat School of Business, says the personal connections within B2B make the program unique and attractive to prospective students.
“That’s the constant feedback I hear from students — it is the personal touch,” Tull said. “B2B students do not call a front desk and get transferred multiple times. They have my contact information, and they can come in or schedule a virtual appointment to use our tutoring labs while they are still students at their other institution.”
D’Andre McBride, a senior entrepreneurship major and marketing minor, says he was nervous about the increased cost of transferring from a two-year community college to a four-year university like UAB; but the B2B Program introduced him to several scholarship opportunities that eased his concerns.
“I achieved my goal by utilizing the resources and network within B2B to learn about [the UAB Transfer Presidential and the Collat Scholars scholarships] early on,” McBride says.
McBride, a first-generation college student, also believes that his access to Collat business professors while a sophomore at Lawson State Community College was crucial to his successful transition.
Register now for a smooth transition to UAB’s Collat School of Business.
“Mrs. Tull invited me to Innovation Depot, where I got the chance to meet my professor, Dr. [Patrick] Murphy, a year before I stepped into his classroom,” McBride said. “So when I say my transition to UAB was amazing, it was. I’m so grateful to be a part of B2B and UAB and to have been guided by Mrs. Tull, who went out of her way to assist me in fulfilling my dreams and goals.”
Alyssa Moore, now a junior marketing major, was excited to transfer to UAB from community college but was unsure of what she wanted to major in at first. Developing a personal connection with Tull and others in Collat changed that.
“During an event, Mrs. Tull made sure I was coming to meet with every major’s adviser to help me find a comfortable major,” Moore said. “I spoke with every adviser and teacher, and I could see everyone was very welcoming and understanding of my confusion.”
The B2B Program is open to students entering or currently enrolled at Alabama community colleges, extending a helping hand to those seeking a transition to earn their bachelor’s degree at UAB. Click here to start your journey as a Blazer.
Moore says she was interested in marketing after learning more about the field but was still unsure as to whether it was a good fit for her. When she expressed her doubts to the marketing adviser, the adviser “smiled, took my hand, and led me to another marketing teacher, Dr. [Parker] Woodroof. He really welcomed me and explained the benefits of marketing and really connected with me. I have made many friends, and I am now more involved in the community, joining organizations and learning more.”
The B2B Program offers a multitude of benefits, including academic advising support, access to Collat School of Business resources, and opportunities to meet with Collat faculty and students, that are designed to assist community college students during their transition to UAB.
The Bridge to Business Program stands as a testament to UAB’s commitment to fostering educational success and ensuring a seamless academic transition for aspiring business professionals.
Photography: Andrea Mabry