(Adapted from Radford University Press Release)
Contact: Melissa Reifert
April 20, 2007

Radford University and MECC Sign Articulation Agreements

Radford University (RU) and Mountain Empire Community College signed two articulation agreements that allow MECC students who earned an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Systems Technology or an Associate of Applied Science degree in Computer Networking Technology to transfer into one of seven Information Technology (IT) programs at RU including information systems, enterprise systems development, web development, computer science, database, software engineering and networks. Students can then complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in IT in two additional years.

“The signing of these two articulation agreements creates tremendous opportunities for MECC students,” states Richard Phillips, MECC Vice President of Academic and Student Services. “They can complete their Associate in Applied Science Degrees in either Computer Software Specialist or Computer Networking Technology, and transfer directly into Radford University’s Information Technology programs. Students may earn one of a variety of IT-related bachelor’s degrees which will give them the ability to compete for high paying jobs in our region. We really appreciate the work of Radford’s IT faculty in working with us to develop this agreement.”

“We understand that an increasing number of students are beginning their college career in a community college either directly or through a dual enrollment program,” says RU President Penelope W. Kyle. “Radford University and Mountain Empire Community College are committed to offering these students every opportunity for success in their education and their chosen profession.”

MECC associate degree graduates in applied science in information systems and technology can take classes on RU’s Radford campus or through distance education technology at one of several remote sites around the Commonwealth including the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon and the Roanoke Higher Education Center.

In addition, RU’s College of Information Science and Technology provides professional development workshops for community college faculty. For the past five years, RU has managed and hosted the Mid-Atlantic Working Connections Conference. This faculty development conference for community college IT faculty provides both graduate and non-credit educational opportunities. A graduate certificate program in IT and a Masters of Science degree in Education with an emphasis in IT are also available to community college faculty.

“We are excited about the relationships Radford University has established with our colleagues in the Virginia Community College System,” Kyle added, “and we look forward to continuing our work with them to facilitate community college faculty professional development and the transfer of their graduates to RU.”

To learn more, contact RU’s College of Information Science and Technology acting dean Joe Chase at jchase@radford.edu or (540) 831-5958. For more information about MECC’s associate degrees in Computer Networking Technology, Computer Software Specialist, or Information Systems Technology, contact Vickie Ratliff at (276) 523-7462 or vratliff@me.vccs.edu.

MECC President Terrance Suarez and Radford University President Penelope W. Kyle sign articulation agreements at RU.

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