Tag Archive for: #nccu

NCCU-VGCC Agreement Supports Growing Life Sciences Industry

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-Press Release, Vance-Granville Community College

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Vance-Granville Community College leaders signed an agreement on January 28, 2020, opening the doors for more students to earn the Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences.

The memorandum of understanding is part of North Carolina’s Pathways to Success program and sets up a streamlined process for graduates of Vance-Granville’s two-year bioprocess technology associate of applied sciences degree to transfer those credit hours to NCCU’s baccalaureate program, entering as juniors.

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye and Vance-Granville Community College president Dr. Rachel Desmarais signed an agreement on January 28, 2020, opening the doors for more students to earn the Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences. (VGCC photo)

“Training scientists for the pharmaceutical industry is vitally important for the region’s economy and a strong priority at the university’s Biomanufacturing Research and Technology Enterprise (BRITE),” said NCCU Chancellor Johnson O. Akinleye.

“By partnering with Vance-Granville Community College, we have increased the pipeline of top students entering NCCU who will complete their Bachelor of Science degree in pharmaceutical sciences. We hope that many stay on, as well, to earn a master’s or a doctorate in integrated biosciences.”

As part of the two-campus agreement, Vance-Granville students can get ahead by taking NCCU coursework prior to officially entering the university. Options include a summer lab-skills workshop, externships at BRITE, and Stackable Credentials to Strengthen the Pathway to Biopharma, an online certificate program offering instruction in regulatory sciences, project management and other knowledge specific to the biopharma industry.

Akinleye and Desmarais shake hands after signing an agreement furthering the partnership between NCCU and VGCC. (VGCC photo)

“We are delighted to enhance our current partnerships with NCCU by providing a new pathway for VGCC bioprocessing graduates to obtain a four-year degree in pharmaceutical science,” said Vance-Granville President Rachel Desmarais. “NCCU is a valuable partner in creating pathways to success for our students.”

The Stackable Credentials program, which has a number of components, receives funding from NIIMBL, the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals, which contributed more than $400,000 in 2018 to boost the university’s ability to train researchers, technicians and others for the life sciences field.

Biotechnology and life-sciences are among North Carolina’s fastest-growing industry segments, employing more than 75,000 workers with average annual salaries of $90,000, twice the state average. Since 2008, life-sciences employment has increased by more than 19% statewide and is expected to continue to grow as more biological products are used in drug research, development and production processes. A 2018 survey by Deloitte projects that as many as 60% of jobs in pharmaceutical manufacturing will be lacking qualified candidates to fill them by 2025.

“There are a number of career opportunities that our VGCC bioprocessing graduates will be exposed to while completing the degree in pharmaceutical science at NCCU,” said Levy Brown, vice president of Learning, Student Engagement and Success at Vance-Granville.

BRITE Director Hernan Navarro said the institute’s workforce-development approach to education is part of its mission.

“Today’s agreement gives BRITE the opportunity to expand its student base and gives Vance-Granville Community College students a way to advance their careers, so it’s great for both,” he added.

Faculty and staff thanked for their work on the project were Vance-Granville’s Bioprocesses Program Director Stewart Lyon and Dean of Arts and Sciences Cecilia Wheeler, along with NCCU Pharmaceutical Science professors Kevin Williams and Andy Li, and BRITE academic recruiter Natacha Janvier-Derilus.

NCCU and VGCC Launch Program for Early Childhood Teachers and Specialists

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DURHAM, N.C. – The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Department of Human Sciences and Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) have signed an agreement to offer two education-related bachelor’s degree programs on the community college campus in Henderson, N.C.

NCCU will provide the second two years of study at VGCC for students with Associate in Applied Science degrees, as well as provide support services and access to NCCU’s resources, such as the Shepard Library on campus. VGCC will recruit qualified students for the two programs and provide classrooms, labs and other resources as needed on campus.

The new offerings include a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education, which typically leads to a teaching certificate for working in preschool and kindergarten programs in North Carolina. The bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development and Family Relations focuses on child development and prepares graduates to work in a variety of settings, including individual and family counseling programs, youth centers, social services, child care agencies and others.

NCCU and VGCC have had an existing partnership for criminal justice majors called Eagle Voyage that started in 2016.

“We are excited about this opportunity to form an additional partnership with Vance-Granville Community College,” said NCCU Interim Chancellor Dr. Johnson O. Akinleye. “Preparing students to educate the youngest and most vulnerable among us is important work. We look forward to seeing these students soar to graduation, so they can begin to educate and inspire the newest generation of North Carolina citizens.”

“We are proud to be expanding our successful partnership with North Carolina Central University to provide new opportunities for our graduates to continue their training as educators and earn a bachelor’s degree here in our community,” said Dr. Stelfanie Williams, president of VGCC. “Providing clear academic pathways from the community college to the university level is one important way in which we support our Vanguards so that they can achieve professional success.”

Research has shown that high quality preschool and kindergarten experiences are instrumental in giving children, especially those from economically challenged backgrounds, a better chance to succeed in upper grades and throughout life. A study published in the American Journal of Public Health in 2015 found the ability to master social-emotional skills in kindergarten was linked to adult performance in areas such as educational attainment, employment, criminal activity, substance use, and mental health.

Students who graduate from the four-year Early Childhood Education program must take the N.C. Teaching License exam to work in public schools with preschoolers or kindergarten classes. Prior to graduation, all students must have a directed teaching experience in a public-school kindergarten or a state or nationally accredited early childhood education program.

North Carolina Central University prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Flagship programs include science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) disciplines, nursing, education, law, business and the arts. Founded in 1910 as a liberal arts college for African-Americans, NCCU remains committed to diversity in higher education. Our alumni are among the nation’s most successful scientists, researchers, educators, attorneys, artists and entrepreneurs.  Visit www.nccu.edu.