NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Stephen F. Austin State University and Panola College recently announced an academic partnership in which students have the opportunity to complete an associate degree and Bachelor of Science in Nursing concurrently.

Administrators from the two schools signed an articulation agreement in November on SFA’s campus to make the partnership official.

“This is a tremendous partnership,” said Dr. Scott Gordon, SFA president. “The relationship between SFA and Panola College is one that is longstanding, and this strengthens that relationship even more.”

Students will be enrolled at both Panola College and SFA while in the program; however, the majority of courses toward the BSN will be completed online. The program strives to reduce the traditional barriers frequently experienced by students who have the goal of being accepted directly into a BSN program at a university.

“The agreement with SFA allows nursing students who are accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing program at Panola College and who have completed required core courses for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing to take online courses with SFA toward a BSN while completing an ADN at Panola College,” said Annissa Jackson, the chair of nursing programs at Panola College.

SFA and Panola College have established a number of partnerships over the years with the goal of creating a seamless transition for students who wish to continue their education beyond an associate degree.

“Panola College is excited about this new framework for an articulation agreement with SFA,” said Dr. Gregory Powell, Panola College president. “SFA is a preferred destination for our students, and this agreement will ease that transition for our students.”

For more information about SFA’s School of Nursing, visit sfasu.edu/nursing.