From CCCC and N.C. A&T

New agreements will help graduates of the sustainable agriculture program at Central Carolina Community College transfer credits and pursue bachelor's degrees in agricultural education at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

The articulation agreements guarantee admission to N.C. A&T and the transfer of up to 64 credits for students graduating from CCCC with an associate of applied science degree in sustainable agriculture as they earn bachelor's degrees in agricultural education with a concentration in either professional service or secondary education.

The bachelor's degree in agricultural education at A&T with a concentration in agricultural professional service prepares students for careers in Cooperative Extension, government agencies, non-profit organizations or agribusiness. The concentration in secondary education readies students to teach agriscience in middle or high school.

"These agreements provide a pathway for students from Chatham County and the surrounding Piedmont regions to further their career goals of becoming agricultural leaders, equipped with the skill set to make an impact on the agricultural industry and society," said Antoine J. Alston, Ph.D., associate dean for academic studies in the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at A&T. "We are truly excited to provide this educational opportunity for students to matriculate to the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at N.C. A&T."

"Post-secondary education is tremendously important to students and the communities they serve," said Kenrett Jefferson-Moore, Ph.D., chairwoman of the Department of Agribusiness, Applied Economics and Agriscience Education at A&T. "Public-to-public partnerships like this one expand affordability and access for students as we support agriculture, the state's largest industry."

The associate of applied science degree in sustainable agriculture at CCCC prepares students for work in a variety of food and sustainability fields, including farm management, advocacy and education, work in wholesale and retail produce, as well as the option to transfer to university agroecology and sustainability programs.

CCCC, located in Central North Carolina, offers a wide variety of programs, as students can earn associate degrees or college transfer credits, diplomas, or certificates. CCCC also offers instruction in such areas as short-term job training, college and career readiness, personal interests, business & industry, and emergency services training.

CCCC has been ranked among the Top 50 community colleges in the nation in 2020 by College Consensus, a unique college ratings website that aggregates publisher rankings and student reviews. In addition, CCCC was nationally ranked as No. 25 in The Best Community Colleges & Trade Schools of 2020 by BestColleges. Previously, CCCC was ranked first in the Niche 2020 Best Community Colleges in North Carolina rankings.

"We are so pleased with this addition to our partnership agreements with N.C. A&T State University," said Lisa M. Chapman, Ed.D., president of CCCC. "Strengthening the alignment of agriculture programs ensures that our local residents have more seamless and more affordable opportunities to continue their education in a career field that continues to serve as an important economic driver in our region."

The agreements were also welcomed by CCCC leaders Robin Kohanowich, coordinator - sustainable agriculture, and Andrew McMahan, chair - Department of Sustainability.

"CCCC Sustainable Agriculture students have chosen N.C. A&T as the next step in their agricultural education in the past; it's great to now have two pathways and formalized agreements with N.C. A&T," Kohanowich said. "Students will benefit by having a seamless transition to further their degree with these valuable options."

"We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to expand our relationship with N.C. A&T and to provide our Sustainable Agriculture students with new educational pathways," McMahan said.

The agreements have been signed by Chapman and N.C. A&T Chancellor Harold L. Martin, Sr., Ph.D.