Honor society recognizes C-N’s innovative pathways for transfer students

(March 12, 2021) JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. — Carson-Newman University’s efforts to ease the transition for transfer students earned honor roll status from Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.

The PTK Transfer Honor Roll recognized Carson-Newman as among the nation’s top institutions for developing transfer pathways that lead community college students to achieve excellence and success. PTK’s ranking methodology utilizes an online tool to calculate a “Transfer Friendliness Rating” based on admission practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and peer reviews.

“At Carson-Newman University, faculty and staff walk alongside our students,” said Aaron Porter, vice president for Enrollment Management. “Our Christ-led approach to education means our transfer students will receive academic, emotional and spiritual support from the moment they join our C-N community.

“Our vision is to become the Christian liberal arts-based university of choice in the Southeast for education and service,” he added. “Recognitions like this one from Phi Theta Kappa are encouraging indicators that we are on the right path to achieving that goal.”

Porter noted that some students are surprised to learn that most transfer students actually improve their GPAs during their time at Carson-Newman. Transfer students are also eligible for a host of scholarships and need-based grants. In fact, 95% of students who transfer to C-N receive financial aid.

Transfer students joining Carson-Newman will also find that they are not alone; one in five C-N students are transfers.

“The Transfer Honor Roll reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of transfer students,” Phi Theta Kappa President and CEO Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “This award is given to four-year colleges and universities with proven outcomes for transfer success. They are the best at providing a supportive and smooth transition from community college — equating to increased rates of bachelor’s degree attainment for transfer students.”

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts-based university affiliated with the Tennessee Baptist Convention. The University is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and celebrated a record 2,900 students in the fall. Carson-Newman offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.