A fresh new voice!

Dr. William M. Mayfield (left), Mississippi University for Women School of Professional Studies dean and V3 College director, addressed Northwest Mississippi Community College faculty about their upcoming educational partnership during the Northwest Career-Technical Division meeting on Monday, Aug. 9. (Photo by Brittany Greer)

V3 College Partners With Northwest Mississippi Community College

By Ashley Strange

public relations account executive

The Cirlot Agency

August 13, 2010

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Northwest Mississippi Community College (NWCC) has a new tool to help further its students’ education.

NWCC has partnered with V3 College, Mississippi University for Women’s (MUW) new online college, to help give students the opportunity to continue their education with bachelor’s degrees.

V3 College offers degree completion programs to community college students who have an associate’s degree in applied sciences. V3 College provides students a path to finish their bachelor’s degree in as little as 18 months.

“The partnership between NWCC and V3 College offers a seamless transition of their education into a bachelor’s degree,” said Dr. Bill Mayfield, director of V3 College. “It’s a great recruitment tool – students can stay in their home communities and finish their bachelor’s degree on their own schedules.”

Dr. Gary Spears, president of NWCC, is excited about the new opportunities now available for his students.

“Northwest is extremely pleased to partner with MUW through V3 College,” said Spears. “MUW has such a rich history of providing educational opportunities for students, and our partnership agreement will benefit students, alumni and all constituents of Northwest.”

The partnership also allows for future development of programs that will benefit both schools. For example, the schools can partner to offer unique courses and pool resources to help students.

“We are always glad to provide as many options as possible for our students,” said Dr. Charles Strong, vice-president for educational affairs at NWCC. “This new agreement with V3 College will provide our students yet another exciting option to explore as they consider the important life decisions related to their vocational futures.”

Associate vice-president and dean for career-technical Jerry Nichols agrees.

“It gives our career-technical students options for higher education they haven’t had in the past,” said Nichols. “This new partnership allows them to complete full bachelor’s programs, which can open even more doors to future careers.”

Classes are underway and more than 50 students are enrolled this term. All of the bachelor’s degree of technology programs are offered online in an accelerated format.

V3 College has also signed agreements with Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC), East Mississippi Community College (EMCC), Holmes Community College (HCC), Jones County Junior College (JCJC), Southwest Mississippi Community College (SMCC), Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) and East Central Community College (ECCC).

V3 College is the newest campus at MUW and is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and is approved by Southern Association of College and Schools (SACS). The online degree programs are geared towards working professionals, adult learners needing to acquire new skill sets or to update skill sets, and community college students seeking to complete their four-year degrees.

V3 College is now accepting applications for the second term; classes begin December 27, 2010. For more information, visit www.v3college.org.