November 15, 2017
East Texas Baptist University entered into its seventh articulation agreement with institutions and organizations in the surrounding area on Wednesday, November 15 with Navarro College (NC). The agreement, signed by ETBU President J. Blair Blackburn and NC President Richard Sanchez, creates increased academic opportunities for ETBU and NC students.
"Being a graduate of a community college, I know first-hand the quality of education I received, which prepared me for my calling," Dr. Blackburn said. "We desire to see more of the outstanding students from Navarro College consider East Texas Baptist for university study and preparation for their careers. We celebrate the enhancing of our Navarro College partnership with the signing of this articulation agreement. ETBU is thankful for Dr. Sanchez's leadership to create greater opportunity for NC students to have access to an affordable, quality Christian education at ETBU."
Navarro College is a two-year accredited, state-supported, community college serving more than 9,200 students at five distinct campuses in Corsicana, Waxahachie, Midlothian, Mexia, and Fairfield. Since its beginning in 1946, NC has been providing an array of students including veterans, first-generation college students, and the disabled with an accessible and affordable education. In addition to offering courses online, on evenings and weekends, and as ESL, Navarro College initiated a college transfer program to enable students to further their education at a four-year university.
"Navarro College is pleased to enter into this articulation agreement with East Texas Baptist University," NC President Richard Sanchez said. "This partnership has prevailed for many years and our students are pleased to have the choice of attending ETBU as they continue pursuing their academic career or transfer goal."
Through the partnership, NC students will be prepared to transfer to ETBU in order to complete both an associate's and bachelor's degree. The agreement will ensure that eligible graduates of Navarro College will be able to seamlessly transfer approved courses, receive priority for admission, and be granted precedence for scholarships at ETBU. The University will also offer $11,000 each year in academic support to Phi Theta Kappa students.
"The challenge of the Texas Higher Education Board to create a globally competitive workforce in Texas is all of our responsibilities," ETBU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders shared. "This step today, taken by our two institutions, marks a strategic partnership toward this end. We are appreciative of the efforts of Navarro College and look forward to the future success of our students and institutions."
ETBU is actively pursuing partnerships with schools in the surrounding community in order to provide further academic opportunities for students across East Texas. In addition to the recent partnerships with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT), Kilgore College, Jacksonville College, Trinity Valley Community College (TVCC), Youth With A Mission (YWAM), Panola College, and Navarro College, East Texas Baptist will continue to establish and further relationships with more institutions committed to the holistic development of students.