KCTCS partners with the University of the Cumberlands to empower Kentucky students to earn bachelor’s degrees

Published on Feb 20, 2024

New memorandum of agreement between institutions “makes a promise” to students

The Kentucky Community and Technical College System and the University of the Cumberlands are separate entities with a common vision: making higher education more accessible for students. With that in mind, the schools have signed a memorandum of agreement that offers a clear pathway for KCTCS graduates to complete an affordable bachelor’s degree at UC.

The agreement communicates that UC continues to strive to improve the application, advising and transfer credit evaluation process for seamless transfer of students from KCTCS. It also serves as a steppingstone for KCTCS and UC in their mission to offer quality education to Kentucky students from all backgrounds. Both institutions have made strides to ensure affordability, accessibility and relevancy for their programs in recent years.

Dr. Trey Jarboe, provost at Cumberlands, said transfer students from KCTCS account for 35% of all transfer credits among students currently enrolled at the university. The university has more than 6,000 students enrolled between its on-campus and online undergraduate programs.

“We are pleased to partner with KCTCS in our shared mission of providing quality education to Kentucky students,” said Jarboe. “This MOA is an example of our commitment to put students first in every aspect of their college experience. We want to offer as smooth a transition as possible for all KCTCS students who choose to pursue their bachelor’s degrees at UC.”

Since its founding, KCTCS has worked to improve the quality of life and employability of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky through certificates, diplomas and associate degrees. Among other provisions, Cumberlands will provide access to admissions and advising resources to KCTCS students as well as a guarantee that UC will maximize the acceptance and application of KCTCS graduates’ transfer credits.

“This new MOA marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that will benefit innumerable Kentucky students for years to come. Through the education and skills provided by both institutions, our students have another accessible pathway to bachelor’s degrees that prepare them for employment and career success,” said Reneau Waggoner, KCTCS acting provost and vice president of academic and student success.