Southwest Virginia Community College and East Tennessee State University officially signed two articulation agreements on February 12, 2024, to expand culinary arts and human services program offerings.
The first agreement allows students who earn an Associate of Applied Science or Culinary Arts Certificate to transfer those credits to ETSU to pursue their Bachelor of Applied Science in Culinary Leadership. Through this program, students will learn workforce skills, organizational behavior, management, and leadership theory and practice to prepare for careers in the food service industry.
“We are proud to partner with Southwest Virginia Community College to expand offerings for students in our region,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs at ETSU. “This partnership will help to strengthen the hospitality industry in Northeast Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and beyond by preparing students to be leaders in the culinary arts.”
Additionally, officials signed an agreement for students interested in pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Human Services at ETSU. Eligible SWCC students who earn their Associate of Applied Science degree in Substance Abuse or Mental Health, as well as those who pursued their Human Services Technology Certificate, can transfer a portion of their hours from SWCC toward the required hours for a Bachelor of Science in Human Services at ETSU.
“Students pursuing a human services degree want to make a difference in the lives of others,” said McCorkle. “This collaboration will create pathways for more students to earn a bachelor’s degree and pursue a career in this in-demand field.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers in the community and social service occupations are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.
The signing of these agreements by McCorkle and Dr. Robert Brandon, vice president of Academic and Student Services at SWCC, signifies a strong commitment to making the transfer process as smooth and seamless as possible for students.
“This new agreement with ETSU creates another clear, structured pathway for our students at SWCC, enabling them to transition and further their education in critical fields seamlessly,” said Brandon. “This collaboration is about enriching our existing offerings, providing a robust framework for student success in culinary arts and human services.”
To learn more about starting at Southwest on a pathway to ETSU, contact the admissions office at 276-964-2555 or email admissions@sw.edu.