University of Tennessee Martin partners with TCAT Jackson for transfer pathway

The University of Tennessee Martin and Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson have formed an articulation agreement that will provide students with a seamless pathway to a bachelor degree in agriculture. The pathway begins with dual enrollment opportunities for students at Gibson County High School and South Gibson High School to participate in the farming operations technology and digital agronomy programs at TCAT Jackson, who can later pursue a bachelor degree in one of UT Martin’s Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources programs.

According to an article on UT Martin’s website, Erica Bell, who serves as the executive director of UT Martin Regional Centers and Online Programs, was quoted as saying of the partnership, “These agreements create a powerful pipeline through the GCSSD/UTM Innovation Hub in high school, keep talent in our local communities and reflect UT Martin’s commitment to access and regional impact by giving students a direct line from high school classrooms to advanced technical training and, ultimately, to a four-year UT Martin agriculture degree close to home.”

The agriculture pathway will allow students to begin accumulating college credits while still in high school, resulting in savings of both cost and time. Through the hands-on training provided by TCAT Jackson, students will be able to receive up to 30 credit hours that they can ultimately transfer to UT Martin in pursuit of an agriculture degree. The Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources offers several bachelor degree options, including Agricultural Business, Geology, Animal Science, Crop and Soil Management, Wildlife Science, and more.

Dr. JacQuene Rainey, the president of TCAT Jackson, said, “This pathway will empower students to build valuable skills, earn credentials more quickly and pursue high-demand careers in farming operations technology and agricultural-related fields. This agreement demonstrates what can happen when education partners come together with a shared vision for student success.”

Eddie Pruett, the director of schools for the Gibson County Special School District, noted the benefits this partnership will have for students. He said, “What I’m excited about is, after all this work, we’re going to have a pathway where students can go from high school to TCAT to full four-year degree,” he said. “It’s an amazing thing because some of our students need that access here while they’re on our campus. They need to know that they can be successful in college…We’re removing barriers for students and making sure that they are able to be the best that they can be.”

For more information about the University of Tennessee Martin, visit the school’s website.