The Bears to Bucs program will provide guaranteed admission to students from Northeast State Community College, helping to create a seamless pathway for students with an associate degree to earn a bachelor degree.
East Tennessee State University and Northeast State Community College have formed a partnership by creating the Bears to Bucs program, a guaranteed admission program that will help students seamlessly transition from community college to university. The agreement was officially signed on June 3, 2026, and will take effect in the Fall 2026 semester.
According to an article on East Tennessee State University’s website, Timothy Lewis, who serves as the university’s director of undergraduate recruitment, was quoted as saying of the new program, “This partnership with Northeast State creates a supportive pathway for students to continue their educational journey at ETSU. Bears to Bucs is centered on student success and aims to help students feel involved and connected throughout the transfer process while providing the resources and guidance they need to thrive academically and personally.”
The program is a guaranteed admission program that also works to support students throughout the transition from community college to university. As part of the program, transfer students will have opportunities to build relationships with faculty members and other students, as well as participate in East Tennessee State University events and receive all the benefits of being an ETSU student.
Dr. Brian Noland, the university’s president, said, “This partnership reflects a collective investment in the future of our region. Through the program, our institutions are working together to remove barriers for students, strengthen educational pathways and prepare the next generation of professionals in the region and beyond.”
Northeast State Community College’s president, Dr. Jeff McCord, added, “We are excited to strengthen our partnership with ETSU through the Bears to Bucs program. By creating a clear transfer pathway, students can navigate the transition from community college to university programs with greater confidence and stronger connection.”
According to the Bears to Bucs program’s webpage, the benefits for Northeast State Community College students who choose to participate in the program include guaranteed admission to ETSU, an ETSU student ID while still at Northeast State Community College, free access to ETSU athletic events, discounted tickets to SGA concerts, campus visits with lunch and support resources, and access to Sherrod Library’s resources.
Students will also receive support services from both institutions to help make sure they are staying on track with their coursework and are aware of any major-specific pathways.
In order to be eligible for the Bears to Bucs program, students must plan to pursue both an associate and a bachelor’s degree and meet current admission criteria for Tennessee community colleges. Once the student’s associate degree is completed, they are guaranteed admission into East Tennessee State University.
For more information about East Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.
For more information about Northeast State Community College, visit the school’s website.