Jacksonville and Gadsden, AL – Gadsden State Community College and Jacksonville State University have expanded their long-standing partnership through a newly signed agreement designed to help more Gadsden State graduates continue their education at Jax State. The memorandum of understanding was formalized during a signing ceremony in the Executive Conference Room of Angle Hall at Jacksonville State, where Gadsden State President Alan Smith and Jax State President Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr., affirmed their institutions’ renewed collaboration.
The updated 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, information about financial support available through the initiative, and direction on the steps required to pursue a four-year degree at Jax State.
President Smith said he endorsed the initiative immediately upon review, noting the number of students who begin their academic journey at Gadsden State before advancing toward a bachelor’s degree. “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.”
President Killingsworth highlighted the shared mission between the two institutions. “We’re excited about this opportunity to help more students move forward,” he 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 outlining transfer pathways, financial assistance available through Pathways to Progress, and resources designed to support a smooth academic transition. Gadsden State will reach out to recent graduates to notify them of their eligibility and the opportunities provided through the initiative.
The agreement will renew annually and underscores a joint commitment to expanding educational opportunity, supporting student achievement, and strengthening the state’s overall educational pipeline. Funding for the Pathways to Progress Initiative is limited. Those seeking more information can visit www.jsu.edu/academicaffairs/p2p/ad.html.
