JSCC and UTM announce Dual Admissions Program for students

JACKSON, Tenn. — Today, April 3, was a big day for Jackson State Community College and University of Tennessee at Martin.

This afternoon the two local universities announced to the public their Dual Admissions Program.

The two schools previously had an enrollment program, however, this one allow students to receive their bachelor’s degree from JSCC.

“A dual admissions agreement really allows a student to start at Jackson State, but also have all the privileges and benefits of being a UT Martin student. So, they have all the support from the career advising. They have academic advising along the way, and know that their credits will transfer seamlessly,” said Carol Rothstein, President of Jackson State Community College.

This has been months in the making.

Both leaders have focused on students feeling a sense of community while enrolled in this program.

“We’re really focused on the student who wants to stay here in Jackson. They can come here on this campus get their associates degree and never have to leave campus, and be able to go to UT Martin and get their bachelors degree because they also have a center here,” said Rothstein.

Another focus has been encouraging students to further their education journey.

“I want to see folks encouraging students who have the capacity to complete a college degree to come back and do so. It has direct implications for lifetime earnings potential. It has direct implications for health outcomes,” said ,” said Yancy Freeman, Chancellor for the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Currently, there are 10 focus program options that student can pick from.

“They can come to the same place and finish a bachelor’s degree in 10 different programs, right now because we’re always looking to add more programs, they can do 10 different programs and never have to leave Jackson, Tennessee. Never have to attend another campus,” said Freeman.

During their sophomore year students will have enough credits to begin their UTM transition.

Also, this dual admission program will be no additional cost.

“There’s no additional costs they will continue to pay the Jackson State Community Cost while they are enrolled here and then they would pay the UT Martin cost when they enroll there,” said Freeman.

Both schools have shared that there are scholarship opportunities for students from the Tennessee Promise to the Hope Scholarship.

For more local news stories, click here.