Gordon State College Establishes Partnership With LaGrange College, Creates Pathway for Master’s Program
By Karolina Philmon, GSC marketing manager
Gordon State College and LaGrange College (LC) have signed an agreement establishing a new pathway for LC's Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) master's program for GSC students. This is the first agreement of its kind in GSC history.
Through the new agreement, GSC students aspiring to enter the master's program will have full knowledge of the courses they must complete prior to admission. Subsequently, after meeting certain admission criteria, they will transition into LC's CMHC master’s program during their last semester as undergraduates.
“This agreement illustrates the GSC’s commitment to providing access to education for our student population in Middle Georgia. Partnering with LaGrange College now grants our students access to a master’s degree. By completing master’s level courses while at GSC, our students get one step closer to a career in mental health,” said Dr. Joanne Ardovini, GSC provost and vice president for academic and student affairs.
Through this partnership, students accepted into CHMC will be provided an annual scholarship to cover their tuition expenses. This scholarship will be renewable if the student maintains good academic standing in the program and fulfills the minimum grade requirements.
“For LaGrange College, this agreement expands access to mental health training in a way that will benefit not only the state, but the larger region as well,” said Dr. Brian Peterson, LC vice president for academic affairs. “GSC is known for its mission of providing educational access to students who may not have an opportunity elsewhere. This [initiative] is directly aligned with our own mission and strategic planning effort to create programs that will benefit the community.”
Both institutions will provide extensive advising and counseling support to students enrolled in the program. Upon completion of 14 credits toward the CMHC, those credits will be transferred back to GSC to complete requirements for the bachelor’s degree.
“This partnership will empower our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel as leaders and thrive in the workforce,” said Dr. Donald J. Green, GSC president. “The future expansion of this program holds great promise for us, as it will enable us to supply a larger number of talented individuals to fuel the growth of Georgia's economy.”
Attendees at the signing included Dr. Baxter; Dr. Green; Dr. Ardovini; Dr. Ric Calhoun, GSC assistant vice president for innovative education and strategic initiatives; Dr. Kelly Veal, LC Clinical Mental Health Counseling associate professor; and Dr. Justin Muller, LC Clinical Mental Health Counseling assistant professor.
“This relationship exemplifies how our institutions are dedicated to helping students reach their maximum potential,” Baxter said. “We look forward to seeing how this partnership flourishes in the years to come.”