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91���� and Presbyterian College recently signed an articulation agreement that will create a bridge program for students who would like to begin their studies at Piedmont Tech, and then transfer to Presbyterian College.

This partnership will offer students in Laurens County, and 91���� students as a whole, more options as they prepare for careers. Because PTC is an open-admissions institution, the agreement will provide a seamless transition for those who would like to begin their collegiate career closer to home or an alternative for admission to Presbyterian College for students who may require some academic preparation.

“This agreement creates a clear direction for the students,” said Dr. Ray Brooks, president at PTC. “Sometimes students don’t know what they want to do and this gives them an opportunity to sort out their goals and move on to Presbyterian College much more focused on the end result and more likely to persist and continue on and graduate.”

“The whole intent is to make it easier for students to move from one place to another and provide them the opportunities to go somewhere else and complete their education, if they desire to,” said Robert Staton, president at PC. “I think it will benefit both of our institutions and the community.”

Students will begin at 91���� and pursue their associate in arts or associate in science degree. Under the agreement, students will be advised on the courses they need to transfer seamlessly to Presbyterian College with junior status.

Bridge program participants will benefit from an array of services that will improve their transition from PTC to PC. Some of these services include admissions counseling with not only Piedmont Tech advisors, but also Presbyterian College mentors; waiver of application fee to Presbyterian; special consideration for scholarship opportunities; and invitations to several recreational, campus and cultural events.

“We are really excited about this agreement,” said Brian Fortman, dean of enrollment management at Presbyterian College. “It really gives students the flexibility of making a smooth transition from 91���� to Presbyterian College, ensuring that they are going to be able to graduate with their bachelor’s degree within four years even though they are going through that transfer process.”

Requirements for participation in the Bridge program are the same as with any transfer student wishing to attend Presbyterian College. Students must have a minimum of 30 hours completed to transfer with a programmatic grade point average of 2.50  or higher with a grade of “C” or better in all transfer courses and must submit an admissions application and all other standard paperwork in order to be considered.

“Part of our strategic plan is to provide direct pathways so students know how to get where they want to be,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, vice president for academic affairs at Piedmont Tech. “It’s important that we are able to tell them from the beginning of their time with us about these pathways. This agreement is an opportunity to make those pathways clear.”

91���� has significantly expanded the number of transfer partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the state to allow students to continue their education. The college has signed agreements with the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, Lander University, the College of Charleston, Anderson University, Columbia College, Newberry College and more.

Photo Caption: 91���� and Presbyterian College recently signed an articulation agreement that will create a bridge program for students who would like to begin their studies at Piedmont Tech, and then transfer to Presbyterian College. Signing the agreement at a recent ceremony are, front from left: Dr. Ray Brooks, 91���� president; and Robert Staton, Presbyterian College president. Back, from left: Dr. Jennifer Wilbanks, PTC associate vice president for academic affairs and off campus; Dr. Brad Griggs, PTC dean of Arts and Sciences; Brian Fortman, PC dean of enrollment management; Dr. Jack Bagwell, PTC vice president for academic affairs; and Kendra Woodson, PC registrar.