FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Fresno Pacific University and the State Center Community College District have formally launched a new partnership designed to make the transfer process easier and more predictable for local students pursuing four-year degrees.<\/p>\n
Dozens of educators and administrators gathered Monday morning at Fresno Pacific University to celebrate the signing of the Sunbird Flight Plan: Direct Route to Admission, an agreement that guarantees admission to Fresno Pacific University for eligible transfer students from State Center’s colleges.<\/p>\n
“This is a special day. It’s a very special day,” said Fresno Pacific University President Andre Stephens.<\/p>\n
As Stephens addressed the audience, leaders from across the district, including the deputy chancellor and the presidents of Fresno City College, Clovis Community College, Reedley College and Madera Community College, sat together to mark the occasion.<\/p>\n
The agreement creates a direct pathway for students seeking to transfer from a State Center Community College District campus to Fresno Pacific University to pursue a bachelor’s degree.<\/p>\n
Deputy Chancellor Christine Holt-McDonald said clear pathways help students stay focused on their educational goals.<\/p>\n
“We know that when students can see the next steps, they are more likely to stay on track, transfer successfully and complete their degrees,” Holt-McDonald said.<\/p>\n
Following the ceremony, each college president joined Stephens to sign the agreements, with school mascots looking on. Clovis Community College President Dr. Kim Armstrong said the partnership formalizes an already strong transfer relationship between the institutions. She highlighted the growth in transfers to Fresno Pacific over the last decade.<\/p>\n
“In 2016, the college’s first graduating class, we had students transfer to FPU. That number was 35,” Armstrong said. “Last year, 235 students transferred.”<\/p>\n
University leaders say the benefits of the new pathway extend beyond college access.<\/p>\n
“What we’re hoping for is students’ lives will be changed, but also our communities will be changed because they will have received a holistic education that actually impacts our whole community,” Stephens said.<\/p>\n
The agreement takes effect immediately.<\/p>\n
University officials say they hope the program encourages more students to continue their education locally and remain in the Central Valley after earning their degrees.<\/p>\n
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