Pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences degrees added to program
North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Alamance Community College (ACC) have expanded their joint Eagle ACCess program in an effort to enhance the talent pipeline for North Carolina’s fast-growing life sciences industry.
The two educational institutions held a signing ceremony on June 12 inside ACC’s new Biotechnology Center of Excellence to officially announce the new agreement.
Under the new transfer articulation agreement, NCCU will offer ACC students courses as part of the requirements for its Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree programs. Classes, academic support and advising will be provided on ACC’s campus or through distance learning options so that students will not have to travel beyond ACC to earn the bachelor’s degree. ACC students will also have access to NCCU’s vast digital resources through the James E. Shepard Memorial Library and the opportunity to engage in departmental activities and student organizations.
“North Carolina Central University’s continued partnership with Alamance Community College has helped us expand our footprint in the state of North Carolina and extend ‘The Eagle Promise’ to all individuals who are in search of an empowering learning environment to champion their future,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D., NCCU chancellor. “Students who participate in the expanded Eagle ACCess program can trust that they will be prepared by our top-notch faculty and staff to succeed in high-demand life sciences positions with an on-time graduation schedule that includes multiple leadership and service opportunities.”
“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and meeting the evolving needs of our students and community. By offering a bachelor's degree on the campus of ACC, we are providing a seamless pathway for our students to continue their education and obtain advanced credentials in a high-demand field. We are grateful to NCCU for their collaboration and their recognition of the excellent academic foundation that ACC provides. Together, we will ensure that our students receive a rigorous and comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing them to excel in the dynamic and competitive biotechnology sector,” said Dr. Algie Gatewood, president of ACC.
According to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), the life sciences industry in the state has grown by nearly 40% over the past 10 years. As one of the top states for industry employment, North Carolina’s pharma manufacturing field is also twice the size of the national average, further underscoring the benefits of the Eagle ACCess program for corporate partners.
Established in 2017, Eagle ACCess includes an additional eight associate-and bachelor-degree offerings that are delivered jointly through ACC and NCCU, including several hybrid courses provided on-campus or online. They are comprised of the following Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees:
- AAS in Biotechnology to BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- AAS in Information Technology to BS in Computer Science and Business.
- AAS in Accounting to BBA in Accounting.
- AAS in Business (marketing concentration) to BBA in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.
- AAS in Business Administration to BBA in Business Administration with a concentration in management.
- AAS in Culinary Arts to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Administration.
- AAS in Early Childhood Education to BS in Early Childhood Education (B-K).
- AAS in Early Childhood Education to BS in Child Development and Family Relations.
(L to R) NCCU Provost David H. Jackson Jr. and ACC President Algie Gatewood celebrate after signing the articulation agreement in ACC's Biotechnology Center of Excellence on June 12.
