Isothermal Community College and Western Governors University announce partnership to expand transfer opportunities
By: Mike Gavin
Published: August 06, 2024
Spindale (Aug. 5, 2024) — Isothermal Community College (ICC) and Western Governors University (WGU) are pleased to announce a new partnership aimed at providing expanded educational opportunities for students in the Polk and Rutherford counties.
This collaboration will allow ICC graduates to seamlessly transfer to WGU, enabling them to pursue advanced degrees in a variety of fields.
Under this agreement, ICC graduates who have earned associate degrees will be able to transfer their credits to WGU, a nonprofit, accredited online university known for its competency-based education model. This partnership provides ICC students with a flexible and affordable pathway to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees, enhancing their career prospects and contributing to the economic growth of the community.
Key Benefits of the Partnership:
- Seamless Credit Transfer: Graduates from ICC can transfer their associate degree credits to WGU, ensuring a smooth transition to bachelor’s degree programs.
- Flexible Learning Options: WGU’s online, competency-based education model allows students to progress at their own pace, providing greater flexibility for working adults and those with family responsibilities.
- Affordable Education: Graduates and employees of ICC are eligible to apply for the WGU Community College Partner Scholarship in the amount of $2,500. WGU offers flat-rate tuition for most programs, and students can take as many courses as they want each term, potentially reducing the overall cost of earning a degree.
- Supportive Learning Environment: WGU provides personalized support through dedicated program mentors who guide students through their academic journey.
“This agreement with Western Governors University represents a significant step forward in our commitment to providing our students with accessible, high-quality education,” said Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal’s president. “By partnering with WGU, we are opening new doors for our graduates, allowing them to meet their educational and career goals more efficiently and affordably. This also affords them the opportunity to remain local while advancing their personal and professional aspirations.”
“For 60 years, Isothermal Community College has been helping meet education and workforce needs in Rutherford, Polk and surrounding counties,” said Ben Coulter, Ed.D., chancellor of WGU North Carolina and Southeast regional director of WGU. “We look forward to working with ICC and helping its graduates continue on their academic journeys and join the nearly 9,000 WGU alumni in North Carolina who are contributing to the local economy.”
This partnership is part of a broader initiative by both institutions to enhance educational attainment and workforce development in North Carolina and beyond. By working together, ICC and WGU aim to empower students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing job market.
For more information about the partnership and how to enroll, please visit www.isothermal.edu/enroll. For information about WGU, visit www.wgu.edu.
About Isothermal Community College:
Isothermal Community College is a comprehensive, two-year public institution serving Rutherford and Polk counties in North Carolina. ICC offers a wide range of academic programs, workforce training, and continuing education opportunities to support the educational and economic needs of the community.
About Western Governors University:
Established in 1997, Western Governors University is a nonprofit, online university offering more than 80 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in business, education, information technology, and health professions. WGU’s innovative competency-based education model allows students to learn at their own pace, providing greater flexibility and affordability.