Mississippi Valley State University has entered into a partnership with Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. The community college enrolls more than 11,000 students and African Americans make up 55 percent of the student body.
Under the agreement student who graduate with an associate’s degree from Hinds Community College in specified STEM fields will be able to transfer seamlessly to Mississippi Valley State University. In addition, the university will offer junior and senior level classes on the Hinds Community College campus. Hinds Community College has agreed to provide the university access to its campus for classes, registration, recruiting and support services.
Constance Bland, vice president for academic affairs at Mississippi Valley State University noted that “50 percent of graduates from 4-year institutions get their start at community colleges, so it’s very important for us to embrace those community college students and make a pathway as large as we possibly can. It’s wonderful that we’re starting out with our STEM departments, and we’d like to fan this opportunity out to any majors that want to matriculate and make that pathway on to Mississippi Valley State University.”
Dr. Bland hold a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree in computer science, and a Ph.D. in computer engineering, all from the University of Mississippi.