May 8, 2018
With a shared mission to meet the needs of students across the East Texas region, East Texas Baptist University and Kilgore College (KC) furthered their partnership.
Starting in the Fall 2018 semester, ETBU will host university-level courses on KC's Kilgore campus, allowing KC students to take ETBU courses leading toward a bachelor's degree in Education (early childhood through sixth grade) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
KC President Dr. Brenda S. Kays and ETBU President Dr. J. Blair Blackburn solidified the plan at a press conference held on Tuesday, May 8 on KC's Kilgore campus.
"We are grateful to Dr. Kays for her leadership in enhancing our educational partnership with Kilgore College," Dr. Blackburn said. "Expanding our programs at KC will allow ETBU to place even more well-trained nurses and teachers of faith, character, and leadership into communities to provide high quality, compassionate healthcare and instruction."
KC will also provide ETBU an office for recruiting, student services, and advising for KC students and graduates.
"Kilgore College has much to gain by working with the universities in our region for the benefit of our students," Kays said. "The articulation agreement with ETBU provides our students with additional options as they continue their educational journey. Dr. Blackburn clearly understands the purpose of community colleges and knows the value our transfer students can bring to the university environment. We look forward to working with ETBU to further student success."
The partnership between KC and ETBU encourages the completion of associate and bachelor's degrees available at the institutions, while providing students with academic and administrative advisement. The agreement promotes continuous advancement in learning and ensures that all students receive the resources necessary to be successful in their respective callings.
"This partnership enables us to bring a physical university presence to Kilgore," Kays said. "We are always looking for ways to expand educational opportunities for our students and this will be a win-win for students at both KC and ETBU."
ETBU Nursing, ranked eighth in the state, consistently achieves 100% pass rates on the NCLEX and 100% of graduates receive job offers upon graduation. In addition, ETBU's Teacher Education Program has held over a 95% pass rate on the Texas Educator Certification Exams for the past five years.
"Our partnership with Kilgore College is an excellent example of our commitment to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board 60x30TX to establish a globally competitive workforce in Texas by 2030," ETBU Vice President for Academic Affairs Thomas Sanders commented, "Together, we are providing a seamless transition for students to finish an undergraduate degree."
To learn more about the ETBU Admissions process contact admissions@etbu.edu or 903.923.2000.