Representatives of Mercer University and West Georgia Technical College gathered in Douglas County January 24 to sign an addendum to the current statewide articulation agreement between Mercer and the Technical College System of Georgia.

Under this updated agreement, Mercer and WGTC affirm that both entities will support the smooth transition of qualified students enrolled in eligible WGTC associate’s degree programs into Mercer’s Douglas County Regional Academic Center.

“Everyone majors in changing the world at Mercer, and many of our graduates are making great strides within the communities that Mercer serves. Through the continuation of this second decade of partnership, Mercer and WGTC are providing greater access to education throughout the state of Georgia and the West Georgia region.” said Dr. Penny Elkins, senior vice president for enrollment management at Mercer.

“While we’ve had a system-wide articulation agreement with Mercer University for some time now, the signing of this agreement makes it personal for West Georgia Technical College and our students,” said Dr. Scott Rule, acting president of WGTC. “We are pleased to strengthen our partnership with Mercer through this agreement, which gives our students more pathways and opportunities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in their desired career field.”

Under the terms of the agreement, WGTC students are eligible to enroll into Mercer’s Penfield College, Stetson School of Business and Economics and/or Tift College of Education. Students then have the option to pursue bachelor’s degrees in the areas of accounting, general business administration, communication, criminal justice leadership, early childhood/special education, early learning and development, healthcare leadership, homeland security and emergency management, human resources administration and development, human services, informatics, liberal studies, marketing, middle grades education, organizational leadership, and psychology.

A particular provision in this new agreement allows an undergraduate WGTC student who earns an associate’s degree to transfer into Mercer’s Stetson School of Business and Economics to complete a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree with concentration offerings in marketing, accounting and general business.

“The quality of students entering Mercer from West Georgia Technical College continues to be impressive,” said Dr. Susan P. Gilbert, dean of Stetson School of Business and Economics. “This partnership will enable us to help WGTC students transition into a bachelor’s degree program that will support their business career goals. There is so much demand in the market for these students who have exactly these credentials.”

Mercer’s BBA is available to students online and/or in person at the University’s locations in Douglas County, Henry County and Atlanta.

“We think it’s important for women to see that these are real, viable options for their future,” Lackey said. “Just because many of these are traditionally seen as jobs for men doesn’t mean they aren’t great options for women.”