Campbell University and Catawba Valley Community College have partnered to “provide a seamless transfer process” for the nearly 13,000 students who attend the Hickory, North Carolina two-year institution. 

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by both schools creates and administers on both campuses the Campbell Assured Admission Program, which allows currently enrolled Catawba Valley students an “assured-entry” pathway to Campbell University upon graduation. Students who enroll in the free program will receive information about Campbell’s academic programs and access to Campbell faculty and staff who will facilitate their transition. 

The agreement makes clear that the program “prioritizes the ability to receive admission, financial aid and orientation communications early in the transition process, which sets CVCC students up for maximum success at both institutions.”

“Campbell University is dedicated to supporting the exceptional Catawba Valley Community College graduates who wish to continue their education with us,” said Dr. Michael Adams, vice president for academic affairs and provost, in a press release. “Working intentionally with colleagues at CVCC, we seek to provide a seamless transfer process in support of students’ academic and professional goals.”

CVCC President Dr. Garrett Hinshaw expressed that his school is excited about the opportunity to partner with Campbell.

“Campbell University is known for its excellence in offering high-demand workforce credentials that will meet the needs of the state, region and our community,” Hinshaw stated in a press release. “Our graduates will now have the opportunity to experience a seamless transition to another great university here in the state of North Carolina.”

Debbie Austin, director of university co-admission programs at CVCC, said she believes the partnership is a “good fit” for both schools. 

“I was very impressed with the number of scholarships and grants [Campbell] gave students to enroll there,” Austin said in a press release. “More often than not, students received enough aid to make the cost similar to what it would have been to attend a public school in North Carolina.”

She said there is also a need for students who are planning a professional degree to have options at CVCC.

“With Campbell’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, School of Law and their outstanding clinical science programs, students have the ability to complete a bachelor’s degree surrounded by the resources to be competitive when applying to any professional program across the state,” Austin continued in a press release.

The program requires completion of the associate’s degree from Catawba Valley Community College in a college transfer program or an articulated applied program for guaranteed university admission.