The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) has partnered with four Alabama community colleges to create an innovative admissions program that will benefit students across the state; the announcement was made at a press conference hosted at UAB on May 8, 2013.
Along with Gadsden State, Jefferson State, Lawson State and Wallace State-Hanceville community colleges, UAB spent a year creating a joint admissions program that will allow eligible students access to a wealth of multi-campus resources, mentorships and scholarship funds.
“This innovative program will further the mission we share with our partner community colleges: to provide talented young people throughout Alabama the access and opportunity to realize their fullest potential, go on to successful 21st-century careers and help grow our local and state economies,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts.
Students who are not eligible for standard UAB admission can participate in a joint enrollment with one of the partnering schools. While enrolled, the student will pursue an associate’s degree and have access to UAB facilities, libraries and campus events. Upon graduation from the community college, the student will then transition to UAB where they will be partnered with a team of advisors and mentors, as well as receive financial assistance.
Gadsden State Community College President Raymond W. Staats, Jefferson State Community College Dean of Career and Technical Education Norma Grant Bell, Lawson State Community College President Perry W. Ward and Wallace State Community College-Hanceville Vice President for Students Tomesa Smith were also joined by UAB Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Brent Gage, Ph.D.
“We are truly excited about the opportunities this partnership will provide to students,” Gage said. “Providing a clear path to a college degree benefits everyone involved, and this program will help us achieve that goal.”
The program will launch this fall with plans for expansion.