BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Officials from Faulkner State Community College and the University of South Alabama gathered in the Crimson Room on the campus of FSCC in Bay Minette on Tuesday to announce a partnership that should result in more graduates transferring from the two-year to the four-year institution.

The program, called “Pathway USA” is designed to increase opportunities for success for college students on the Gulf Coast, according to a press release issued Tuesday by USA.

The partnership seems to be a perfect fit for the two institutions of higher learning, both of which celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year, said FSCC President Dr. Gary Branch.

“We have watched our two institutions grow and evolve over that period of time and this is just the next step in that growth,” Branch said. “The bottom line is that this is a great example of the pride and good will exemplified between our two schools.”

Right now, Branch said, Faulkner State includes about 5,000 students across three campuses, multiple instructional sites and via distance education, offering programs such as veterinary technology, animation and visual effects and industrial maintenance.

By year’s end, FSCC will merge with two smaller institutions, Alabama Southern Community College in Enterprise and Jefferson Davis Community College in Brewton and is expected to expand to about 9,000 students.

“This is a great win for our students who wish to continue their education at USA,” Branch said.  “I’m looking forward to the positive impact Pathway USA will have on Faulkner State Community College and our region.”

The University of South Alabama provides more than 16,000 students with programs in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and health care. USA provides small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities in 100 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs offered through nine academic colleges and schools. USA offers advanced and innovative health care through the USA Health System.

South Alabama President Tony Waldrop said the partnership will strengthen an already strong relationship between the two institutions.

“With this partnership there is no telling what we can accomplish and what we can get done,” Waldrop said.

Waldrop said the idea evolved over a breakfast meeting where officials from the two institutions were sharing ideas of how to make their relationship stronger.

“The University of South Alabama is committed to making a college education more affordable and accessible,” Waldrop said. “We believe Pathway USA will be a very effective means to achieve that and it is exciting that Faulkner State shares our commitment.”

Also on hand Tuesday to share the details of the program were G. David Johnson, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at USA, and Patty Hughston, dean of Workforce Development at FSCC.

Pathway USA is geared toward students who are not admitted at South as well as students who may simply prefer to begin their college education at Faulkner State.  These students may choose to have a copy of their USA application and supporting documents forwarded to Faulkner State for admission consideration.  Students already attending Faulkner State may also apply for Pathway USA.  A unique application will be created and available for Faulkner State students to complete and submit.

Students who enter the Pathway USA program will have unique benefits, such as:

• Guaranteed admission to USA upon successful completion (cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or higher) of the associate’s degree.

• A USA academic advisor assigned to them who will meet students at Faulkner State and provide individual guidance on course selection and map out degree plans.

• Reverse Transfer agreements that will allow Faulkner State students who transfer to South without an associate’s degree to complete that degree after entering USA.

• Special discounts through USA’s Jaguar Productions.

• Complimentary admission to South Alabama athletic events.

The program will be launched beginning with the 2016 fall semester and will be open to all students.

Persons wanting additional information on Pathway USA at the University of South Alabama are urged to contact USA’s Enrollment Services office at 251-460-6494 or email enrollmentservices@southalabama.edu.

For more information about Faulkner State Community College visit faulknerstate.edu. For more information on the University of South Alabama visit southalabama.edu.