JACKSON, Tenn. — Reaffirming a partnership established in 2012, the presidents of Middle Tennessee State University and Jackson State Community College signed agreements Wednesday, Oct. 18, creating a smoother transition for students wanting to transfer from the West Tennessee college to the Murfreesboro university.

The signing occurred at the Jackson Country Club, where MTSU hosted its annual True Blue Tour luncheon for high school counselors and community college staff and nighttime student reception.

The actions authorized by MTSU’s Sidney A. McPhee and Jackson State’s Allana Hamilton will:

• Establish programs to promote successful experiences for Jackson State students seeking to continue their higher education at MTSU.
• Develop dual admission and reverse transfer processes between the two institutions so the movement of students between them is as seamless as possible.
• Allow Jackson State students to interact with MTSU advisers and have access to faculty and programs within their proposed majors while at the community college.
• Exchange additional ideas and information to further mutual understanding and cooperation between the institutions.
• Develop other objectives as agreed upon by both institutions.

Jackson State President Allana Hamilton, left, and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee sign the renewed memorandum of understanding to reaffirm the ease of ttransition of JSCC transfers to the Murfreesboro university. (MTSU photo by Randy Weiler)

In 2012, the agreement provided the framework for programs designed to enhance the educational experience of students attending both schools. It included but was not limited to dual admissions, concurrent enrollment, reverse transfer, consortium agreements and cooperative advising.

“We are pleased to reaffirm and continue our partnership with Jackson State,” McPhee said. “We are the No. 1 choice of transfer students in Tennessee because we work hard to make the movement between institutions as seamless as possible.”

Hamilton noted: “We are always looking for ways to help our students achieve their educational goals. The agreement with MTSU will help to develop a seamless transition for Jackson State graduates to move to the next level in their educational journey.”

A coordinator from each school will work with administrators to promote collaboration with each institution’s admissions staffs.

Along with coordinating activities within and between their institutions, the coordinators will distribute information about faculty, facilities, research, publications, library materials and educational resources of their organization. They’ll also communicate periodically to review and evaluate activities and work out new ideas for future cooperative agreements.

Presidents Allana Hamilton, left, of Jackson State Community College and Sidney A. McPhee of MTSU shake hands after renewing a memorandum of understanding between the two institutions Oct. 18 during MTSU’s True Blue Tour event at the Jackson Country Club in Jackson, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Randy Weiler)

The new agreement between MTSU and Jackson State is for five years and can be renewed for another five years or terminated by either party with 90 days’ notice.

MTSU is the No. 1 producer of graduates for the Greater Nashville economy and a vital partner in the state’s goal of 55 percent of its citizens having a post-secondary degree by 2025. It is the top destination for transfer students in Tennessee and No. 1 choice for adult learners.

MTSU offers more than 240 undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is widely known for its recording industry, aerospace, accounting, concrete industry, nursing and education programs.

Jackson State, which is celebrating its 50th year of higher education, provides accessible learning opportunities to enhance residents’ lives, strengthen the workforce and empower diverse communities by offering traditional and contemporary associate degrees in the arts, science and applied science, certificates, continuing education and enrichment, and college-readiness programs.

The college also has campuses in Humboldt, Lexington and Savannah, Tennessee, and provides educational opportunities in 33 area high school locations.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)