SALISBURY, N.C. – Rowan-Cabarrus Community College has entered into a bilateral articulation agreement with Fayetteville State University that will allow students who complete an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology at Rowan-Cabarrus to transfer seamlessly to Fayetteville State to complete their bachelor’s degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration at an affordable cost.

The agreement became effective with the fall 2019 semester, and student interest is already high.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with Fayetteville State University on this unique opportunity to benefit a student population that is dedicating their careers to keeping our communities safe. This transfer agreement opens the door to an efficient and affordable bachelor’s degree, which aligns with our commitment to help our students navigate as far as they can go,” said Rowan-Cabarrus President Dr. Carol S. Spalding.

Fayetteville State University leaders visited Rowan-Cabarrus for a formal recognition of the agreement at the College’s recent Board of Trustees meeting. While on campus, they visited and toured the College’s fire and emergency services facilities and training grounds.

Fayetteville State representatives included: Chancellor Dr. Peggy Valentine, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Pamela Jackson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management Thalia Wilson, Executive Director for Admissions Ulisa Bowles, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Transfer Coordinator Renuard Wise, and Assistant Director of Admissions Transfers Jonathan Cobb.

Also attending the board meeting were local fire personnel, including Chief Bob Parnell of the Salisbury Fire Department and Battalion Chief Adam Ryerson of the Concord Fire Department.

Fire student walking out of fire building“The Rowan-Cabarrus fire program is the best in the state, in my opinion,” said Parnell, who is a graduate of the College himself. “I congratulate these two institutions on this forward-thinking and very modern agreement. Many students will be able to benefit.”

The associate-to-bachelor transfer program is offered online and accepts transfer credits from Rowan-Cabarrus as well as honoring prior professional certifications.

“It is a significant advantage for our students to have this option, because the fire service industry in general is becoming more reliant on education for hiring and promotions,” said Lee Ennis, Rowan-Cabarrus Fire Protection Technology program chair. “More and more, a bachelor’s degree is required to move up in an organization, and we want our students to be able to achieve their ultimate career goals. It’s a great deal for the student, and it is a bonus that the fire programs of the two schools are so well-aligned with one another.”

Both Rowan-Cabarrus and Fayetteville State have received official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education (FESHE) recognition from the United States Fire Administration, acknowledging that they meet standards of excellence established by FESHE professional development committees and the National Fire Academy.

“The success of the bilateral articulation agreement relies on coordinated mentoring and advising from the two schools to make sure the process works well for students,” said Rowan-Cabarrus Director of Transfer Jenn Selby. “We are so pleased with the support and partnership we have received from Fayetteville State so far, and it makes us feel very positive about our students transferring there to continue their education. In the end, we are all committed to helping the student.”

Rowan-Cabarrus is one of North Carolina’s 58 community colleges, and Fayetteville State, a four-year public university, is part of the University of North Carolina System.

The Fire Protection Technology program at Rowan-Cabarrus provides students with the technical knowledge and skills necessary to work and advance in fire protection, administration and management. Coursework includes fire prevention and safety, public education, building construction, fire ground strategies and tactics, and local government finance and laws as they apply to emergency services management. Graduates pursue employment with providers of emergency medical services, fire departments, rescue agencies, hospital specialty areas, industry, and educational and government agencies.

For more information about the Rowan-Cabarrus Fire Protection Technology program, please visit www.rccc.edu/fire.