Baylor University and Midland College Announce Partnership on New ‘Baylor Bound’ Transfer Agreement

Follow us on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia Media Contact: Tonya B. Lewis (254) 710-4656 Agreement will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions

WACO, Texas (Jan. 25, 2016) – Baylor University and Midland College today announced the creation of a formal Baylor Bound transfer agreement that will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions and continue to expand educational opportunities for young people all across Texas. Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr and Midland College President Steve Thomas, Ph.D., signed the partnership agreement during a ceremony in the Scharbauer Student Center – Carrasco Room at Midland College. As one of its goals under the Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor intends to create 10 Baylor Bound partnerships during the next five years. The Baylor-Midland agreement is the seventh partnership, along with McLennan Community College in Waco, Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Blinn College in Brenham, Collin College in McKinney, Temple College in Temple and Alamo Colleges in San Antonio. The Baylor Bound program will serve highly motivated students from Midland College who, upon meeting the program's criteria, will transfer to Baylor to complete their baccalaureate degrees. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our students. The agreement with Baylor University adds to our extensive list of quality universities that enable Midland College students to seamlessly transfer in order to continue their studies," said President Thomas. "By beginning their college careers at Midland College, students can take advantage of the Legacy Scholarship and other opportunities while receiving the personal attention and specialized assistance for which Midland College is renowned. After completing an associate degree, students have the opportunity to transfer to esteemed higher education institutions such as Baylor." "We are so proud of our Baylor Bound program which provides an affordable avenue for community college students who wish to complete their studies at Baylor University," President Starr said. "We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Midland College on this important partnership, which expands educational access for students in Texas. We look forward to welcoming more Midland College students who will begin their educational journey at Midland College, continue with the outstanding academic programs and transformative student experience that is the cornerstone of a Baylor education, and then graduate as proud Baylor Bears." Students may declare their intent to transfer to Baylor by submitting the Baylor Bound application prior to enrolling at Midland or while enrolled as a full-time student. Admission to the program will be determined by Baylor's Office of Admission Services. Students at Midland College who become part of the Baylor Bound program can choose a plan from 66 majors, all of which are articulated through specific MAPS – or Major Academic Planners – that will assist them as they move toward timely degree completion. More information about these majors and course transfer equivalency between Baylor and Midland College is available at https://www.baylor.edu/transfersuccess/index.php?id=953063. Students must be enrolled in an approved A.A. or A.S. academic program leading to an approved Baylor B.B.A., B.A., B.S.W. or B.S. degree and refer to Baylor's Major Academic Planner when planning coursework. Advisers from both institutions will help students select courses that satisfy program requirements to allow for a successful transition from Midland College to full-time status at Baylor. Midland College Baylor Bound students also will receive information about scholarships for transfer students and special transfer residential experiences. Also, students from Midland College will have access to Baylor's libraries via the Interlibrary Loan Agreement as well as special opportunities to visit the Baylor campus and meet with Baylor representatives. Baylor and Midland College officials, along with alumni, friends and special guests from across the region, gathered at a reception following the signing to celebrate the historic partnership between the two institutions. Speakers included Baylor alumna Lynda Webb, B.A. (Journalism, Foreign Service) '78, dean of adult and developmental education at Midland College as well as Presidents Starr and Thomas. ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution. The University provides a vibrant campus community for more than 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. ABOUT MIDLAND COLLEGE Midland College (MC) is known as "Your College." The college's focus is on providing higher education, community services and cultural enrichment to the Midland community. MC offers a rich and exciting range of opportunities and services, as well as a quality educational experience that is both affordable and comfortable. Every semester approximately 5,000 credit students attend MC — considered to be one of the most beautiful campuses in the nation — at approximately one-third the cost of other Texas four-year public institutions. Approximately 40 percent of Midland County high school graduates attend Midland College (MC). Although MC offers baccalaureate degrees, the College mission remains focused on community college objectives. Courses in the college's academic programs transfer easily to four-year universities, and MC's career and technical programs provide the skills necessary to enjoy a successful career.