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William Peace University and 97ɫ��nical Community College have entered a partnership to further the missions of both institutions.  

The agreement will provide educational advancement opportunities for graduates of 97ɫ��. WPU and 97ɫ�� also will collaborate on program innovations and needs and seek opportunities to advance the partnership.

The partnership will focus on the pipeline from 97ɫ��’s Registered Nurse program to WPU’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program.

The benefits for students through the partnership include:

Peace will accept up to 90 transfer credits, which means students can complete all general education requirements at 97ɫ��.

Students will only have to complete eight nursing classes, or 32 credits, after transferring to Peace.

Peace will waive the application fee.

97ɫ�� students entering the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at WPU will receive a 10 percent tuition discount.

"I am so glad that we are able to offer the tuition discount to 97ɫ�� graduates,” said Dr. Erica Jastrow, WPU assistant professor and department chair. “97ɫ�� has a great reputation of producing highly skilled, caring nurses ready to enter the workforce and we would love to support them in achieving their BSN degree as their next step in the nursing profession."  

Jastrow also said the commonalities between the two institutions will benefit students.

"I think our programs are very similar in that we have that local connection and we offer personalized support to students that helps them to be successful,” she said. “My hope is that we really grow the pipeline of 97ɫ�� graduates who enroll in the WPU RN to BSN program."

97ɫ�� students who transferred to William Peace University prior to the agreement praised the new partnership.

"Learning that I am now going to be getting the tuition discount, when the program was already affordable, makes me feel like WPU values the community and wants to make getting the BSN affordable so we can achieve our goals,” said Latasha Hopkins, who attended 97ɫ�� and is now at William Peace. “From first learning about the program through the admissions process and taking classes, I have felt very supported. My class plan was designed specifically for me and my unique situation and that was a relief to know I could graduate earlier than expected."  

97ɫ�� faculty said the new collaboration will benefit the community college’s students by providing another avenue if they are planning to transfer to complete a four-year degree. It also will benefit health care employers by providing another pathway for students to enter the nursing profession.

"This partnership will certainly benefit our students, but it also helps fill a need in health care where there is currently a shortage of nurses. That, in turn, benefits the entire community," said Melissa Ockert, dean of Health and Wellness at 97ɫ��.

Lea Bingham, assistant dean, University Transfer, in the Creative and Liberal Arts Department at 97ɫ��, said the new partnership builds on an already strong relationship.

“We have long valued our partnership with William Peace University and are delighted that this RN to BSN agreement will enable 97ɫ�� nursing graduates to advance their careers right here in our area, at a competitive cost, with a trusted partner,” she said.