Gaston College Graduates To Have Direct-Entry Admission To Johnson C. Smith University Under New Agreement

August 5, 2021

Samantha Gilstrap,

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Johnson C. Smith University and Gaston College entered an agreement on August 5 facilitating smooth transition from Gaston College to JCSU. Officials signing the agreement were (L-R): Dr. Karen Morgan and Mr. Clarence Armbrister of JCSU and Dr. John Hauser and Dr. Heather Woodson of Gaston College.
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Dr. John Hauser, President of Gaston College, signs the direct-entry agreement between Gaston College and JCSU. Dr. Heather Woodson, Vice President of Academic Affairs looks on.
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Dr. Karen Morgan, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs looks on as JCSU President Mr. Clarence Armbrister signs the direct-entry agreement between JCSU and Gaston College.

DALLAS, N.C. — Qualified Gaston College graduates will have direct-entry admission to Johnson C. Smith University thanks to an agreement the two schools entered into on Thursday.

Johnson C. Smith University and Gaston College came together on August 5th to start this Direct Admission Program between the two institutions, in hopes of helping students achieve their goal of a Bachelor’s Degree.

The JCSU 2+2 Connect program allows currently enrolled Gaston College students a direct-entry path to JCSU after graduation.

Officials say this is the first agreement of its kind between Gaston College and a historically Black university.

“Being a part of JCSU 2+2 Connect is a wonderful opportunity for us,” said Dr. Hauser. “This new agreement will provide a smooth transition for Gaston College students from all backgrounds to successfully transfer and pursue a Bachelor’s degree at Johnson C. Smith University. Our focus is to ensure qualified students are well prepared academically so they can excel at JCSU, and after graduating they can successfully enter the workforce.”

Students must complete the program inquiry form (which can be found online at Gaston.edu or jesu.edu), be in good standing at Gaston or other insinuations attended, demonstrate good citizenship and conduct, and earn and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at Gaston College in order to be eligible.

Students must also be finished with their Associate Degree in the academic year right before they plan on enrolling at JCSU.

“Johnson C. Smith University has been a leader in providing educational access for diverse traditional and non-traditional students in the Charlotte region for more than 150 years,” said President Armbrister. “We look forward to enrolling the highly talented and motivated students who earn their Associate degree from Gaston College and providing them with an affordable, clear path to earn their Bachelor’s degree and pursue rewarding careers. This partnership is a tangible way JCSU and Gaston College can work together to increase economic upward mobility in Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.”

Officials say each student who remains eligible during their time at Gaston College, and successfully applies to JCSU, will get at least $8,000 in aid to attend the University (enrolling full-time is required to be eligible).