JACKSONVILLE – Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University have strengthened their long-standing partnership by signing a new agreement designed to help more Gadsden State graduates continue their education at Jax State.
The signing took place in the Executive Conference Room in Angle Hall at Jax State, where Gadsden State President Alan Smith and Jacksonville State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth Jr. formalized the updated memorandum of understanding.
“I was glad to sign this document,” Smith said. “Our institutions are stronger when we’re working together, and hopefully this is going to help us do that and give our students a clear pathway to continue their education. I’m intrigued by how this opportunity could benefit our students and have a positive economic impact on the communities we serve.”
The agreement supports the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s (ACHE) Pathways to Progress Initiative, a statewide effort aimed at increasing the number of associate degree holders who go on to earn bachelor’s degrees.
Through the partnership, qualified Gadsden State graduates will receive guidance on transfer admissions, financial support available through the initiative, and the next steps needed to pursue a four-year degree at Jax State.
“We’re excited about this opportunity to help more students move forward,” Killingsworth said. “Gadsden State has been a trusted partner for many years, and this agreement adds another meaningful component to the relationship we’ve built together.
“ACHE has invested in this work because the state needs more graduates with four-year degrees, and we’re proud to be selected as part of that effort.”
Under the agreement, qualified Gadsden State graduates will receive personalized communication from Jax State about transfer options, financial assistance available through Pathways to Progress, and guidance to support a smooth transition to a four-year program.
Gadsden State will inform recent graduates of their eligibility and the opportunities available to them under the program.
The agreement will renew annually and reflects a shared commitment to expand opportunity, support student success, and strengthen the region’s educational pipeline.
Funding for Pathways to Progress is limited, so those interested in learning more about the statewide initiative can visit www.jsu.edu/academicaffairs/p2p/ad.html
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