By Rachel Leland
Staff Writer
President and Chancellor Ken Starr signed a transfer agreement with Dr. Colleen Smith, Collin College interim district president, that will allow eligible Collin College students to more easily transfer between the two institutions.
The partnership takes place through the “Baylor Bound” program, an endeavor that seeks to offer community college students a chance to transfer to Baylor and apply for scholarships.
“The Baylor Bound program is focused on helping qualified students transfer to Baylor in a direct and efficient manner, saving time and maximizing financial resources,” Starr said in a university press release.
“We are grateful to Collin College for entering into this important partnership, which will provide greater educational access for dedicated students in the North Texas area.”
The signing made Collin College the fourth institution to join the Baylor Bound program. The other institutions are McLennan Community College, Blinn College and Tyler Junior College. According to the press release, Baylor intends to create 10 community college partnerships over the next five years.
“No single factor influences the professional success of an individual more than a college education, and the Baylor Bound agreement was created to simplify the path to a degree,” Smith said.
The first group of students from the junior college will transfer to Baylor in the fall of 2017. The students must maintain a 3.0 GPA to keep eligibility. Most students fall between a 3.1 and 3.6 range.
Dr. Wesley Null, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs, works with other colleges that participate in the Baylor Bound program.
Dr. Null said in a press release that he recognized that the program is mutually beneficial for Baylor and the colleges it partners with.
“It allows us to recruit a stronger transfer class of students,” Null said.
