Stanly Community College Partners with Gardner-Webb to Offer Co-Admission Agreements

‘Bulldog-Bound’ and Pathway Agreements Make Transferring to GWU Easy for SCC Students

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—Officials from Gardner-Webb University and Stanly Community College (SCC) in Albemarle, N.C., signed agreements on April 4 that expand transfer pathways for the schools. The “Bulldog Bound” direct-entry admission program will provide a seamless process for SCC students transferring to Gardner-Webb. Additionally, separate Pathway Agreements for Accounting & Finance, Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Early Childhood Education will create direct admission into the GWU’s Online-Degree Completion Program for bachelor’s degrees in these disciplines.

“Gardner-Webb continues to expand our network of valued community college partners, and today’s signing formalizes a relationship with SCC that will immediately benefit students looking for a four-year degree,” explained GWU President William Downs. “My wife’s family has deep roots in Stanly County, so this one is pretty special to us. I really do hope that what we have pledged today will result in a robust pipeline of students coming from SCC to GWU.”

Joining Downs at the signing was Student Government Association (SGA) President Jada Newton, who switched offices with Downs for the day. This event was the only item on both of their agendas. Afterward, Downs went to Newton’s SGA committee meeting, and Newton met with GWU’s new Director of Diversity and Inclusion, Lawrence Brinson.

“Bulldog Bound” allows SCC students to transfer directly to GWU after completing degrees in the following areas: Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP), Associate of Science in Teacher Preparation (ASTP), Associate of Fine Arts in Visual Arts (AFA), or Associate in Applied Science (AAS). The additional Pathway Agreements accept students into GWU’s Online-Degree Completion Program after completing Associate of Applied Science Degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood-Licensure, Early Childhood-Non Licensure, and Early Childhood-Career Ready.

Stanly Community College President John Enamait noted that partnerships like this provide value.  “Stanly Community College is a vital link in educating the community’s workforce, and we work hard to take our students as far as they would like to go.  That’s why partnerships such as the one solidified here today with Gardner Webb University are so important.  They help pave the road to academic success by making advanced degrees more accessible to our students.  We appreciate both institutions’ commitment in making this a reality.”

Students in the “Bulldog Bound” program have access to information portals for GWU academics, as well as to faculty and staff, who will facilitate their transition to Gardner-Webb. The program prioritizes the ability of participants to receive admission, financial aid, registration and orientation communications early in the transition process, which sets SCC students up for success at both institutions. 

Students who wish to participate in “Bulldog Bound” must satisfy the following conditions:

• Be a current degree-seeking student at SCC.
• Submit GWU application for admission and disciplinary forms by GWU deadlines.
• Submit application fee or waiver and fulfill all commitment actions steps.
• Be in good standing at SCC and other institutions attended.
• Demonstrate good citizenship and conduct.
• Earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50 at SCC and a minimum GPA of 2.20 in their most recent term.
• Earn an Associate’s degree from SCC in a college transfer program or in an applied program for which an articulation agreement exists.
• Enroll at GWU within one academic year (within the next two regular terms (fall/ spring semesters) of completion of the Associate’s degree).
• Meet all admissions requirements of GWU.

While enrolled at SCC, students will identify their interest in “Bulldog Bound” by completing a brief, online form provided by the SCC Transfer Counselor. There is no program participation fee. Students who discontinue their participation will be expected to transition to GWU through regular admission channels. Students who enroll at another college or university after their Stanly enrollment also will be expected to transition to GWU through regular admission channels.

About Stanly Community College:

Stanly Community College has more than 27 programs of study in health, business, engineering, computers, public service and college transfer. The college also offers programs in continuing education and basic skills and serves approximately 10,000 students annually.

About Gardner-Webb:

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.