Tartan Transfer Program Announced
Radford University is excited to announce the launch of the Tartan Transfer program, a new initiative designed to streamline the transfer process for students from eight Virginia Community College System (VCCS) schools.
Radford and community college representatives signed the transfer agreement at a ceremony on Nov. 6 on Radford’s campus.
This program will create an accessible pathway for community college students seeking to continue their education and earn a bachelor’s degree at Radford. The university is the only four-year public institution in the commonwealth that has partnered with this many community colleges to provide a seamless experience.
The Tartan Transfer Program is a strategic collaboration between Radford University and several of Virginia’s Community Colleges including New River Community College (NRCC), Mountain Empire Community College (MECC), Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC), Patrick & Henry Community College (P&HCC), Southwest Virginia Community College (SWCC), Virginia Highlands Community College (VHCC), Virginia Western Community College (VWCC), and Wytheville Community College (WCC).
Through this partnership, students will benefit from a range of features aimed at making higher education easier to navigate and more affordable and career focused.
“Tartan Transfer demonstrates that Radford University and Virginia’s Community Colleges are committed to creating accessible and affordable degree pathways for Virginians, and to building bridges across the commonwealth. We are proud of how this partnership formalizes a seamless transfer process, and adds even greater value through dedicated academic advising and access to Radford’s unique student life opportunities. I sincerely appreciate the presidents of each of our partner community colleges for their support of the Tartan Transfer program, and for their roles in helping to improve degree attainment and economic success in communities throughout western Virginia,” said Radford University President Bret Danilowicz.
Key benefits of the Tartan Transfer Program include affordability, maximized transfer credits, personalized advising, early campus integration and events, and career preparation.
Community college presidents from across the western part of the state praised the Tartan Transfer announcement.
“NRCC is looking forward to strengthening our relationship with Radford University through the Tartan Transfer Program to ensure that our students transition seamlessly from NRCC to RU,” said Dr. Pat Huber, NRCC president.
“We are thrilled to partner with Radford University and our other community colleges on this new articulation agreement for our students. Radford has consistently provided an excellent pathway for our students, and this agreement enhances our shared commitment to their success,” said Dr. John Rainone, president of MGCC.
“Virginia Highlands Community College is proud to partner with Radford to provide clear, affordable pathways from the associate degree to the bachelor’s degree,” said VHCC President Adam Hutchison. “This agreement documents the excellent relationships among higher education institutions in our region, and most of all, it’s a win for students and families in southwest Virginia.”
“We are excited to provide our Wytheville Community College students with additional educational opportunities by partnering with our four-year university colleagues. Thank you to Radford University and the Tartan Transfer program for providing valuable transfer opportunities to ensure that WCC students can achieve their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC president.
The presidents from both P&HCC and SWCC also noted their support of the new RU program.
“Patrick & Henry Community College is honored to join our colleagues in the Tartan Transfer program,” said P&HCC President Greg Hodges. This partnership is one more way that we can support our students in pursing their dreams as they work toward a financially secure future.”
“The Tartan Transfer agreement with Radford provides our students with a streamlined pathway to continuing their education and achieving a bachelor’s degree, with all of the added benefits and support from each institution along their journey,” said Dr. Tommy Wright, president SWCC.
” Mountain Empire Community College is dedicated to creating seamless pathways for our students to reach their educational and career goals. The Tartan Transfer Program with Radford University provides an invaluable opportunity for our students to transition confidently to a four-year degree. The program not only saves our students time and money but also supports them with the resources and support they need to thrive at Radford and beyond. It’s a commitment to their success and an investment in the future of our region,” said MECC President Kris Westover.
Radford’s Tartan Transfer program underscores the university’s mission to enhance access to education across Virginia, while prioritizing student affordability and success. By aligning resources with VCCS institutions, Radford is paving the way for a more inclusive and streamlined higher education experience.
For more information about the Tartan Transfer program, please visit www.radford.edu/tartan-transfer to learn how to participate.
