Clarion University, Butler County Community College sign pact

BC3 President Nick Neaupauer (left) and Clarion University President Joseph Grunenwald sign the agreement.

Educational opportunities for Western Pennsylvania students expanded with the signing of an agreement between Clarion University and Butler County Community College (BC3). The agreement allows transfer of all credits earned in a two-year BC3 degree to be transferred to Clarion University toward the completion of a four-year degree.

Clarion University President Joseph Grunenwald and BC3 President Nicholas Neupauer signed the papers during a ceremony in Carlson Library at Clarion University.

"This agreement closely aligns our academic programs," said Grunenwald. "It will allow students to move easily and smoothly from one institution to the other and know what steps are necessary to complete the move. Butler County Community College is a high quality community college in the region. I see this as an important partnership in our region. There is a real compatibility between our institutions. This will provide new kinds of opportunities for the students."

"What we are about to sign isn't normal," said Neupauer. "The western side of Pennsylvania finds ways to work better together. A lot of work went into this agreement. I am proud we will be producing high quality students together."

Neupauer, who received his master's degree from Clarion University in 1993 and met his future wife, Tamatha, at Clarion, reflected fondly on those memories.

"Clarion holds a close spot in my heart for personal reasons," he said. "I am very excited to be involved in this day. Clarion ranks third among transfer schools for BC3 students. I still teach and a number of individuals I taught have transferred to Clarion and told me what a wonderful degree they received. Our enrollment reached a record level of nearly 4,000 this year. I feel students leaving BC3 will be well prepared for Clarion University."

Francie Spigelmyer, vice president for academic affairs at BC3, said, "More and more of our students ask me about Clarion. They don't want to go too far from home, but want to be away from home. They are having the best experience at Clarion."

Bill Miller, dean of humanities and social science at BC3, also had a relationship with Clarion University. "My daughter completed two years at BC3 and transferred to Clarion," he said. "She had a great experience, received her degree in chemistry, and got a good job. I am very happy to be here today."

Dr. John Groves, dean of Clarion University's College of Education and Human Services, outlined the curricular changes being made to meet revisions in the Pennsylvania Department of Education and Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education regulations. Clarion began meeting the new regulations this year, well in advance of the 2011 requirement for the change, providing its education graduates a more competitive start on what will be new career paths.

Also attending the ceremony from Clarion University were: Dr. Valentine James, provost and academic vice president; Dr. Rachelle Prioleau, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; Dr. James Pesek, dean of the College of Business Administration; Dr. Arthur Acton, assistant vice president for academic affairs; William Bailey, dean of enrollment management; Dr. Terry Latour, dean of University Libraries; Dr. Jocelind Gant, assistant to the president for social equity and director of international programs; and Dr. William Buchanan, professor of library science.

Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.