Pictured L-R: jax the Jaguar; Dr. Christian Hardigree, A&M-Victoria President; Dr. Jennifer Kent, Victoria College President; Captain Vic
Representatives from Texas A&M University-Victoria and Victoria College signed a historic memorandum of understanding Wednesday, Sept. 9, formalizing a partnership designed to strengthen transfer opportunities and support students pursuing higher education in the Crossroads.
The agreement is the first memorandum of understanding between the two institutions since the university became part of the Texas A&M University System last year. The signing ceremony was held at Victoria College’s Student Success Center and was attended by faculty, staff, students, alumni, and administrators from both institutions.
The agreement provides a framework for helping students transition seamlessly from Victoria College to A&M-Victoria while reducing barriers to degree completion and expanding access to resources at both institutions.
“Victoria College and Texas A&M-Victoria share a deep commitment to the students and communities we serve, and this partnership allows us to build on that shared mission,” said Dr. Jennifer Kent, VC President. “Together, we’re helping ensure students have the support, resources and opportunities they need to succeed from their first day at Victoria College through the completion of their bachelor’s degree with our partners across the sidewalk.”
Under the agreement, students transferring from Victoria College to A&M-Victoria will benefit from:
- A fully waived application fee when applying to A&M-Victoria.
- Clear program alignment between the two institutions to support seamless transfer, minimize redundant coursework, reduce overall tuition costs, and help students complete their degrees sooner.
- Coordinated advising to help students identify the right academic and degree pathway.
- Priority course registration during their first semester at A&M-Victoria.
- Expanded use of financial aid and veterans benefits. Students concurrently enrolled at both institutions may use their federal financial aid and GI Bill/veterans’ benefits through A&M-Victoria to cover applicable courses taken at Victoria College.
- Access to facilities, services and student life activities at both institutions, giving students a broader range of resources and opportunities throughout their educational journey.
- A pathway to completing an associate degree. Credits earned after transferring to A&M-Victoria may be applied toward completion of an associate degree at Victoria College.
“A&M-Victoria is committed to continuing our longstanding partnership with Victoria College,” said Dr. Christian Hardigree, A&M-Victoria President. “The Golden Crescent region is fortunate to have a community college and a university that work so closely together and partner to offer an affordable, quality higher education. This MOU is one more paving stone in the road to success for our students and the community.”
Seated, L to R: Captain Vic; Dr. Jennifer Kent, Victoria College President; Dr. Christian Hardigree, A&M-Victoria President; jax the Jaguar
Standing, L to R: VC leaders Terri Kurtz, Executive Director of Human Resources; Courtney Bosier Hawthorne, Transfer Coordinator; Keith Blundell, Vice President of Administrative Services; Cindy Buchholz, Executive Vice President-Chief Academic Officer; and Bobby Cubriel, Director of Advising, Counseling, & Support Services; and A&M-Victoria leaders Alyssa Kiesow, Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs; Michael Sanders, Vice President for Enrollment Management & Strategies; Amber Countis, Vice President for Advancement & External Relations; Daniel White, Interim Executive Director, Center for Student Success and Associate Professor of Biology; Kevin Sheehy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer and Vice President for Administration & Finance; and Aimee Shouse, Associate Provost of Curriculum and Academic Quality