University eases transfer process for community college graduates

(Jan. 23, 2018) – Carson-Newman University announced today that students who graduate from any community college will have satisfied the general education requirements for C-N.

Accepted students will be required to take two religion courses, a one-hour intro class for transfers, and any requirements for professional licensure.

“This is just one more way that Carson-Newman is working to help students successfully complete their bachelor’s degree in a timely manner,” said Carson-Newman Provost and Executive Vice-President Paul Percy.

According to Percy, Carson-Newman made the change in support of Governor Haslam’s Drive to 55 initiative with the goal of having 55 percent of Tennesseans equipped with a college degree or certificate by 2025. Percy added, “We also hope this will help students realize the importance of completing their associate degree because a degree looks a lot better than just having some college.”

Clay Wilkerson, who advises and facilitates Carson-Newman’s transfer students, said, “We always look forward to working with community college students to help them achieve their dream of completing a bachelor’s degree and to help them be well prepared for a challenging career.”

Wilkerson added that transfer students may qualify for academic merit scholarships, Phi Theta Kappa scholarships (if they are a member), as well as various other forms of university financial aid.

“This is one more way that Carson-Newman wants to help students reach their full potential,” said Carson-Newman President J. Randall O’Brien. “We continue to find ways to make a Carson-Newman education possible for the young men and women of our region.”

The announcement comes on the heels of the University’s initiative of offering innovative programs that allow students to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in three years. It is one of only a few 4-year colleges in the state where students can qualify for a Tennessee Promise scholarship and earn an associate degree.

Founded in 1851, Carson-Newman is a Christian liberal arts university located in Jefferson City, Tennessee, among the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. The University has over 2,500 students and offers 50 undergraduate majors, as well as associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees.