UWA announces partnership and agreement with Shelton State

LIVINGSTON — The University of West Alabama has announced a partnership with Shelton State Community College that will provide unique educational opportunities through resource sharing and coordinated programs at the Demopolis Higher Education Center. The two schools have also entered a reverse transfer agreement for students who wish to earn college credits at various degree levels.

Degree completion is based on the 2+2 model. Courses and training will be offered by both schools through coordinated schedules that lead to degree tracks such as criminal justice, business, and early childhood development.

The courses completed through Shelton State can be credited to a degree program at UWA, allowing students to first earn an associate’s degree from Shelton State, progressing to a four-year bachelor’s degree from UWA. The partnership reflects both schools’ missions to provide accessible and convenient learning and career advancement opportunities for citizens of the Black Belt region.

“Students often plan to attend a four-year college, but countless obstacles can get in the way of even well-scripted plans,” explained Shelton State President Andrea Mayfield. “Shelton State’s reverse transfer partnership agreement with the University of West Alabama provides a pathway for students to obtain college credentials based on credits earned along the way.”

“By saving time and money, the student may continue to advance their education by earning additional credentials and degrees,” Mayfield explained. “We are proud to launch this partnership, thereby making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”

UWA President Ken Tucker said that the new collaboration will enhance an already productive relationship between the two schools.

“UWA and Shelton State have partnered on several very successful initiatives in the past, and we are confident that this new agreement will continue that trend,” Tucker said. “Our administrations work very well together on a regular basis to serve our communities through work force development and training initiatives, transfers agreements, and outreach programs, and through this agreement, we will enhance and expand the educational and training opportunities that we offer to our service area.”

“Both UWA and Shelton State are committed to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, and ability to be successful in their chosen careers, and indeed throughout their lives.”

Shelton State is the lead partner at DHEC and will offer dual enrollment and dual credit courses, community education opportunities, and programs available to the public for admission and enrollment.

To be eligible for reverse transfer credits offered by UWA through the partnership with Shelton State, a student must transfer directly to UWA from Shelton State. The student’s transcript must include at least 16 hours of academic college-level credit completed at Shelton State. The student must have reached junior standing, 60 or more total credit hours, at UWA, and be in good standing with both schools.