Beaver, WV (WOAY) – A signing ceremony at New River Community and Technical College announced a partnership with Marshall University for a new bachelor’s degree program.

The agreement allows New River CTC students to have a smooth transition to Marshall.

“Marshall’s willingness to partner with us means a lot to us,” said Bonny Copenhaver, president of New River CTC. “Many of our students who graduate with an Associate of Science don’t think their credits will transfer. This is a program that allows those students and graduates to transfer to Marshall University and get a bachelor’s degree. So it’s a wonderful win for the students.”

The aspiring flight nurse can now follow her dreams more easily.

“I don’t feel stuck,” said Alea Simms, a surgical technology student at New River CTC. “It’s a great opportunity for students like me who want to continue their education without having to leave our town or travel so far. So it’s really exciting.”

The president of Marshall University says continuing education is important for all of us, no matter what type of education we choose – a certificate, a two- or four-year degree, or more. He calls the collaboration between the schools groundbreaking.

“We live in a world today where we are surrounded by YouTube, Khan Academy, artificial technologies and ChatGPT,” said Brad Smith. “We all need to keep learning and indulging in that intellectual curiosity. But historically there have been walls between all the different options. Those walls are now gone.”

Lily Hollingshead, who is looking forward to becoming a physician assistant, thinks this collaboration between New River CTC and Marshall is great.

“Knowing that I can continue my education at Marshall,” said Hollingshead, a surgical technology student, “and get my bachelor’s in applied science — that will make the transition so much easier for me since I won’t have to completely re-enroll.”

Smith says that some people may have previously thought an Associate of Applied Science was a top-tier degree. This is transformational.

“And they would quit after two years or say, ‘I want to continue for another year.’ And not all 60 credits would transfer. They would only get a certain number of credits,” the Marshall president said. “Well, now they can only make that one point in their journey. And then if they decide to go back into education or continue, all that work will transfer with them.”

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