Belmont University and Tennessee Board of Regents create transfer pathway for future teachers

Belmont University and the Tennessee Board of Regents have created a new transfer pathway agreement that will expand access to a bachelor degree for future teachers. The new agreement will give students who are pursuing an Associate of Science in Teaching degree in K–5 Elementary Education or Middle School Education at 13 community colleges around the state the ability to transfer to Belmont University for its Bachelor of Science in Education programs.

According to an article on Belmont University’s website, Dr. Jothany Reed, who serves as the Tennessee Board of Regents vice chancellor for academic affairs, was quoted as saying of the new agreement, "Strong transfer pathways are one of the most effective ways we can expand educational opportunity. These agreements give future teachers confidence that the work they complete at a community college will count toward a bachelor's degree, saving students time and money while creating a more efficient pathway into Tennessee's classrooms."

Belmont University President Greg Jones said, “Few professions shape a community's future the way teaching does. This partnership reflects Belmont's commitment to preparing educators who bring both skill and heart to their work. We're honored to join TBR and Tennessee's community colleges in building a stronger path into the classroom for the next generation of Tennessee teachers.”

The education articulation agreement will allow students to begin their teacher education at one of the community colleges for two years before transferring to Belmont University to complete a bachelor degree in education. The agreement outlines aligned coursework, transfer credit equivalencies, and coordinated advising to ensure students experience a seamless transfer from community college to university.

Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor Flora W. Tydings said, "Tennessee's future depends on the quality of educators teaching our students. These agreements create a seamless pathway for aspiring teachers to begin their education close to home at one of our community colleges and continue toward a bachelor's degree at Belmont. This partnership demonstrates what is possible when institutions work together to remove barriers for students while addressing our state's critical need for great classroom educators."

Dr. Jim McIntyre, dean of Belmont University’s College of Education, said, "Tennessee, like states across the country, has an urgent need for excellent PreK-12 educators, and this partnership is one way Belmont is working to be part of the solution. I've spent my career in and around classrooms, first as a teacher and later serving in and alongside school districts, and I've seen how much a seamless pipeline like this articulation agreement matters for students who might not otherwise see a clear pathway into the teaching profession.”

This newly signed transfer agreement joins others between Belmont University and the TBR. In December 2025, the two institutions signed an agreement that allows nursing graduates of the 13 community colleges to advance their education toward bachelor degrees in nursing at Belmont University’s Inman College of Nursing.

The 13 community colleges in the TBR are Chattanooga State Community College, Cleveland State Community College, Columbia State Community College, Dyersburg State Community College, Jackson State Community College, Motlow State Community College, Nashville State Community College, Northeast State Community College, Pellissippi State Community College, Roane State Community College, Southwest Tennessee Community College, Volunteer State Community College, and Walters State Community College.

For more information about Belmont University, visit the school’s website.