Ameera Steward
The Birmingham Times
Students obtaining an associate’s degree at Lawson State Community College (LSCC) can simultaneously work on a bachelor’s at Alabama State University (ASU), presidents of the two institutions announced on Monday.
LSCC President Dr. Perry Ward and ASU President Dr. Quinton Ross Jr. announced the memorandum of understanding during a press conference at Lawson State.
“Both institutions are dedicated to…success and we hone in on that success,” said Ross. “We strengthen that ability for students to go to one great institution here in Birmingham and go on to another great institution in Montgomery. So I’m certain that this agreement and the things that we do going toward the future are going to be extremely beneficial for the students.”
Ward said Lawson State creates pathways and partnerships for its students to pursue “world class opportunities.”
“Alabama State University is certainly one of those partners that can make a difference for our students . . . this memorandum of understanding . . . provides a collaborative transfer process for Lawson State students,” said Ward.
Students at LSCC can accrue credits that will be accepted for their studies at ASU.
Ward said he and Ross have been discussing ways to get the institutions to establish openings for their students.
“It creates opportunities and pathways for our students to be able to pursue their educational degree – junior and senior year – and get their bachelor’s degree at Alabama State University, one of the outstanding universities not only in the state of Alabama, but in the region and the country as well,” Ward said.
Dr. Carl Pettis, interim provost and vice president of academic affairs at ASU, said there has been a long history of Lawson State students transitioning to ASU “so what we’ve done here today is simply formalize that agreement.”
“We want to make sure that there’s a seamless transfer for students as they leave Lawson State and matriculate to Alabama State University,” he said.
Darren Allen, acting dean of students at LSCC, said “Alabama State has been one of our great partners over the years and now I’m glad to see us re-establishing a partnership that existed for quite a while.”
