Broadens access to four-year degrees for rural students
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) is opening new pathways to bachelor’s degrees for students across North Carolina through eight new community college partnerships formalized Wednesday, Oct. 14, during the Eagle Connect Signing Ceremony at the Raleigh Convention Center.
The ceremony, held during the biennial North Carolina Community College System Conference, brought university and community college leaders together to advance transfer opportunities and strengthen the path from community college to NCCU.
“Eagle Connect strengthens our commitment to expanding educational access by creating seamless transfer pathways that help students transition successfully from North Carolina community colleges to North Carolina Central University,” said Ontario Wooden, Ph.D., NCCU provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “Through these partnerships, we are enhancing student success, strengthening academic collaboration, and creating greater opportunities for North Carolina residents to pursue their educational and career goals.”
The new partnerships include:
- Alamance Community College
- Brunswick Community College
- Catawba Valley Community College
- Central Carolina Community College
- Nash Community College
- Pitt Community College
- Robeson Community College
- Vance-Granville Community College
These community colleges opted to participate in Eagle Connect as an outcome of concerted efforts by NCCU to expand opportunities for students in rural North Carolina. The partnerships give rural community colleges an opportunity to collaborate with a historically Black college or university (HBCU), often the first such collaboration for rural community colleges. The presidents of seven of the community colleges were joined by NCCU Chancellor Karrie G. Dixon for the signing ceremony.
Eagle Connect students receive guaranteed admission to NCCU, a waived $50 application fee, and support with choosing classes and early registration. They may also qualify for transfer scholarships and find ways to lower the cost of earning a four-year degree. Before transferring, students gain early access to NCCU resources and campus experiences, including select athletic events, Lyceum programs, career fairs, educational workshops and the James E. Shepard Memorial Library. These opportunities help students prepare for academic success and feel connected to the NCCU community. Once they transfer, students can use the university’s Course of Study Planner to stay on track toward earning their bachelor’s degree.
“Through these memoranda of understanding, we are doing more than signing eight agreements—we are building bridges to opportunity, achievement, and timely degree completion,” said Sharon Oliver, Ed.D., NCCU associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “By aligning resources, sharing expertise, and putting students first, we transform the transfer experience into a seamless, supported pathway to success.”