ASU & Shelton State Presidents Sign a Joint Agreement that Benefits Students

By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU

The President's of Alabama State University (ASU) and Shelton State Community College (SSCC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Feb. 10, which provides a pathway for qualified SSCC students to study and earn a bachelor’s degree from ASU. 

Both ASU President Dr. Quinton T. Ross Jr. and SSCC President Dr. William J. Ashley met on the Martin campus of Shelton State in its Atrium and concluded the MOU to formalize an agreement that allows all interested and qualified Shelton State students an effortless transfer process to attend and obtain a bachelor's degree from ASU. The agreement went into effect immediately.

ASU President Ross said the agreement creates a “seamless” enrollment process.

 "This joint Memorandum of Understanding between Alabama State University and Shelton State Community College gives interested students at Shelton State an opportunity to participate in a seamless enrollment process, which means that qualified students may obtain a four-year degree from ASU," said President Ross. “This is a great partnership between our two schools, which is all about student success,” Ross added. 

Shelton State President Ashley said the higher education deal formalizes an educational path that benefits the students at the Tuscaloosa based two-year college.

"This agreement allows our students to be in an even more competitive position in the job market, which is a positive aspect of this agreement between our two schools," Ashley said.

ASU President Ross Jr. (R) and Shelton State President Ashley shake hands after signing the Memorandum of Understanding on Feb. 10, (Photo credit/Porfirio J. Solorzano/Shelton State).  

WHAT THE MOU DOES FOR THE SCHOOLS
The University's interim assistant provost for Academic Affairs is Dr. Tanjula Petty and she has been highly involved in working with both schools to put the agreement together.

"Alabama State University takes great steps in reaching out to serve the greater community in creative ways, which includes inviting students from neighboring community colleges such as Shelton State Community College to attend ASU," Petty said.

"This agreement demonstrates how ASU and Shelton State are working together to meet the educational needs of the students at each school. We are honored to be a partner with Shelton State in this endeavor," Petty stated.

IT'S ALL ABOUT STUDENTS SAYS PRESIDENT ROSS
The entire agreement is about student success, via a great partnership between the two schools, says ASU's President.

"At ASU, we believe opportunity changes everything, and providing Shelton State Community College students an opportunity to transition to ASU with a continuation of access to quality and affordable higher education is a top priority for us," Ross said.  "We are also delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Shelton State and add this institution to Alabama State University's institutional partners," Ross stated.

"This MOU exemplifies our commitment to creating new avenues to higher education for all students," said Ross.