Officials with the University of North Alabama and Drake State Community and Technical College on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding which will serve to benefit the educational needs of transfer students.

According to the institutions, the learning agreement will enable Drake State graduates to seamlessly transition their coursework to UNA while on route to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Drake State president Dr. Patricia Sims asserted that current students stood to benefit from the learning agreement.

“We are so excited for this new partnership with UNA as it will afford our students another option on their path to success,” proclaimed Sims. “Our two institutions will work together to ensure the transition from a two-year college to a four-year university is smooth for Drake State graduates.”

A release advised that Drake State’s agreement largely mirrors those that have been signed by other two-year institutions in Alabama and Tennessee. Additionally, the agreement enables the institutions to explore future pathways to expand educational opportunities provided to students.

Dr. Ross Alexander, UNA provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, touted the role both institutions play in meeting workforce development needs.

“UNA is pleased to partner with Drake State Community and Technical College on this mutually beneficial and worthy learning agreement,” stated Alexander. “Both institutions are key players in serving the workforce development needs of the state and region.”

The agreement, which is effective immediately, allows current Drake State students to take advantage of the opportunity for the upcoming spring 2022 semester for both online and on-campus courses.

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL