PCC-N.C. Wesleyan Sign Agreement Strengthening Collaboration

WINTERVILLE—Pitt Community College and N.C. Wesleyan College (NCWC) have reauthorized a partnership that has been enhancing and expanding educational opportunities for PCC students for nearly a decade.

Eight years ago, PCC and NCWC administrators signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that allowed Wesleyan to begin teaching business administration courses on the Pitt campus. It was a pact that offered Pitt students an opportunity to remain in Greenville while pursuing a bachelor’s degree through NCWC.

Earlier this month, PCC President Lawrence Rouse and NCWC President Evan Duff signed a new MOU that strengthens the collaboration. Patricia Jackson, chair of PCC’s University Transfer and Foreign Language Department, said 200 Pitt graduates had gone on to earn bachelor’s degrees from Wesleyan since the first MOU was signed in August 2012.

Jackson says Pitt’s partnership with Wesleyan in nearby Rocky Mount has “exceeded the vision” she and Duff had when they created the original MOU.

“It’s has been a tremendously successful alliance that will continue to benefit students and both colleges for many years to come,” Jackson said. “The newly-signed agreement ensures Wesleyan’s continued presence on the PCC campus, which has grown to include additional bachelor’s degree options, like health care administration, RN to BSN, and sports administration.”

Jackson says the new MOU creates additional educational opportunities for PCC Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, and Associate in Applied Science graduates by granting them access to the benefits of the “Wesleyan Works” program and pre-admissions advising. She said it also establishes a clearly-defined pathway for transferring college credits between Pitt and Wesleyan, which pleased Dr. Thomas Gould, PCC Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services.

“Pitt Community College is proud and excited to continue its transfer partnership with N.C. Wesleyan,” Gould said. “This partnership has provided our graduates with a seamless transfer to a four-year institution, and this enhanced agreement will bring additional opportunities to our students.”

Katie Farrell, NCWC Associate Dean of Adult & Professional Studies, says Wesleyan has “enjoyed a successful partnership” with PCC and is looking forward to its further development.

“Our goal has always been to support the community college mission and provide their graduates with a convenient and affordable pathway to complete their four-year degree,” Farrell said.

According to Jackson, an advisor from Wesleyan will be available on Pitt’s campus to help students maximize credit transfers and provide specialized support to select student populations. PCC’s Christine Clift will also assist with onsite admissions and advising, she said.

For more details on the PCC-NCWC partnership, students should contact Jackson at (252) 493-7709 or Clift at (252) 493-7451.

11/30/2020