SEAMLESS TRANSITION
Agreement to allow eligible students from SAU Tech to transfer to SAU to complete criminal justice degree
The Southern Arkansas University System has signed an agreement to assist students with an associate of arts degree in general studies-law enforcement degree from Southern Arkansas University Tech to transfer seamlessly to Southern Arkansas University to complete a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice.
The collaboration will allow the partners to increase graduation rates, facilitate the transfer process and maintain a high-quality working relationship between the two institutions.
“This is yet another example of the energy and innovation created by Dr. Jason Morrison and his new leadership at SAU Tech. We are excited to expand the ways in which students can pursue higher degrees within the SAU System,” Dr. Trey Berry, president of SAU, stated in a press release. “Under the capable leadership of Dr. David Lanoue, provost and vice president for academic affairs at SAU, and Dr. Valerie Wilson, vice chancellor for academics at SAU Tech, this new degree completion program will thrive for our students,” Berry said.
Lanoue said they were pleased to make this new opportunity available to students in their region. “As we build on our already strong relationship with SAU-Tech, we will continue to explore partnerships that will allow students to complete their degrees in four years and move on to personally rewarding careers,” Lanoue said.
The SAU criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in a variety of careers, as well as to enable experienced persons to expand their knowledge and improve their skills.
“According to our admissions office, advisers and recruiters, SAU Tech receives regular inquiries from prospective students about a criminal justice program,” Wilson said. “I am proud to say that we listened, and beginning this fall, we will be offering the first two years of this program with the direct transition into SAU’s four-year criminal justice program. Transfer agreements such as this are part of the vision of our new chancellor, Dr. Morrison. Day by day, his vision is becoming reality.”
The SAU program received statewide attention earlier this year when Whitney Gass, assistant professor of criminal justice, was appointed by Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the Arkansas Board of Corrections. Her term on the board is for seven years.