SCC & University of Mount Olive establish agriculture articulation agreement

By Staff Report, posted Mar 3, 2026 on BizFayetteville.com

Standing (left to right): Heather Watson, Instructor of Animal Science & Agribusiness Technology; Barney Grady, Dean of Applied Technologies; Chris Stroud, Department Chair of Agribusiness & Animal Science Technology. Seated (left to right): Dr. Steve Matthis, Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, University of Mount Olive; Blair Hairr, Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs; Dr. Burt Lewis, Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of Mount Olive; Dr. Jason Davis, Assistant Dean of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, University of Mount Olive. Photo provided by Sampson Community College.

Sampson Community College (SCC) and the University of Mount Olive (UMO) officially entered into a new articulation agreement designed to expand transfer and degree-completion opportunities for students enrolled in SCC’s Agriculture and Agribusiness programs.

The agreement establishes the UMO Promise (UMO Bridge) Partnership, providing SCC students a defined pathway from the Associate of Applied Science in Agribusiness Technology to select bachelor’s degree programs at UMO.

“This partnership creates a clear, achievable next step for our students,” said Department Chair of Agribusiness and Animal Science Technology at Sampson Community College Chris Stroud in a press release. “Students can begin their education locally, build a strong academic foundation, and transition seamlessly into a four-year program that aligns with their career goals in agriculture and agribusiness.”

Under the agreement, eligible SCC students and recent graduates may transfer up to 60 credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA and receive guaranteed admission to UMO. Transfer credits may apply to general education, elective or major coursework, depending on the selected program of study.

The partnership also includes coordinated advising, dedicated admissions support and shared transfer guides to help students plan efficiently. Students transferring through the UMO Promise partnership may apply for state and federal financial aid and may be considered for institutional scholarships, as available.

“This agreement reinforces the strength of our Agriculture programs and the value they provide,” said Dean of Applied Technologies at Sampson Community College, Barney Grady, in a press release. “We are excited about this partnership with UMO and the expanded opportunities it creates for our students.”

The articulation agreement further supports SCC’s commitment to workforce development and student success by positioning its Agriculture programs as both career-ready and transfer-focused, offering students flexible options to meet regional industry needs while pursuing long-term academic advancement.

For more information about Sampson’s Agriculture programs, visit https://sampsoncc.edu/program-details/agribusiness/.

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