[mpoverlay]Oakwood University and J.F. Drake Technical College last week signed an articulation agreement that makes transfer from the two-year institution to the four-year adventist university virtually seamless. The agreement will allow Drake State students to transfer to Oakwood without loss of credit hours, expediting the process for students to earn a four-year degree.

“Not losing credit for classes during the transfer process is critical,” according to Patricia Sims, Dean of Instructional and Student Services at Drake State. The school also has agreements in place with Alabama A&M and Athens State.

“This will allow all students with an associate degree to, regardless of program of study, not lose credits or lose coursework,” Sims said. “That translates to affordability and dollars saved and we’re excited about that.”

Oakwood President Leslie Pollard said he valued the partnership.

“One of the things we know about the future, we know we have to walk in holding hands,” he said. “Partnership is the key to progress. There is no institution that has the resources to be self-sustaining and stand on its own. It’s only as we share our strengths and our history that we are able to create the kind of future we all desire.” (Huntsville Times)[/mpoverlay]