Delta State University and Northwest Mississippi Community College are partnering on a new program aimed to increase graduation rates at both institutions.
This week, the two schools announced the signing of a new memorandum of understanding that will create the Phi Theta Kappa Community College Residential Award at Delta State. The award, which will include a scholarship to DSU, will be open to NWCC students who are active members of Phi Theta Kappa academic honor society and are in good standing with a completed 45 credits.
“The MOU represents a significant collaboration between Delta State University and Northwest Mississippi Community College,” DSU President Dr. Daniel Ennis said. “By working together, we can provide greater support and resources for our students, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.”
Dr. Michael J. Heindel, president at NWCC, echoed Ennis’ remarks and said he’s happy to open additional pathways for junior college students to move on to four-year universities.
“We are excited to partner with Delta State University to create more pathways for our students,” Heindel said. “This agreement will not only provide immediate benefits through scholarships and reverse transfer but also pave the way for future collaborations that will enrich the educational experiences of our students.”
A key component of this agreement, according to the two schools, is the focus on increasing the number of degrees awarded by NWCC through a reverse transfer process with DSU. By encouraging reverse transfer – which is the process by which a student is awarded an associate degree after transferring and completing degree requirements at a four-year institution – both NWCC and DSU aim to facilitate degree completion at both the associate and bachelor’s levels.
Administrators at NWCC and DSU will work closely to not only promote the Phi Theta Kappa Community College Residential Award but to develop shared protocols and processes to enhance data sharing and improve graduation rates for students who have attended both institutions.
