Atlanta Technical College and Clayton State University Sign 2+2 Supply Chain Articulation Agreement

ATLANTA - March 30, 2015 - PRLog -- In a development fraught with significance for both the University System of Georgia (USG) and the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), Clayton State University President Dr. Thomas Hynes and Atlanta Technical College President Dr. Alvetta Peterman Thomas signed a “2+2” Articulation Agreement on Tuesday, Mar. 3, providing A.S. degree holders in supply chain management at Atlanta Technical College with an opportunity to seamlessly transfer to the supply chain program at Clayton State.

The ceremony, held in the Atrium of Clayton State’s Harry S. Downs Center, was attended by members of both institutions.  Representatives from the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, the TCSG, Unincorporated South Fulton County (GA) Economic Development Initiative, UPS, and other leading supply chain companies were also on hand to witness the signing.

“This is a first in the history of Atlanta Technical College, a true two-plus-two agreement that allows a seamless transition between Atlanta Tech and Clayton State,” said Thomas prior to the signing ceremony.

In 2010, Atlanta Technical College became the first school in the Technical College System of Georgia to offer a degree in supply chain management.  Over the last five years, graduates of the program have traditionally entered the workforce following graduation.  The 2+2 agreement now makes it easier for them to pursue an additional credential.

“Giving our students a path to a higher degree was always part of our long-term vision,” said Kemith H. Thompson, Atlanta Technical College supply chain management program manager. “An agreement with Clayton State is ideal for student advancement. Clayton State has robust bachelor and master degree programs that will give our students access to greater career opportunities.”

The 2+2 agreement will allow students who graduate from Atlanta Technical College with a two-year A.S. degree in supply chain to transfer directly into the supply chain program in College of Business at Clayton State.  After completing two years in the Clayton State program, they will graduate with a supply chain bachelor’s degree. John Mascaritolo, director of Clayton State’s Center for Supply Chain Management and Dr. Avi Mukherjee, dean of the College of Business at Clayton State, both also point out the historic nature of the agreement, as previous articulation agreements between USG and TCSG institutions have been limited to A.A.S. degree holders receiving partial credit for their technical college work.

The new agreement provides a significant economic development boost for Clayton County. In his remarks prior to the signing, Hynes noted that, “one of the keys of the Clayton County Economic Development Plan is supply chain” and noted the efforts of the Clayton County Chamber of Commerce, the Clayton County Board of Commissioners, and the Clayton County Development Authority in creating that plan.

“There’s a strong commitment to workforce development here, and the Clayton County Economic Development Plan recognizes the impact on workforce development of higher education,” he added.

Administrators at both colleges hope that this is the first of many academic partnerships that will prepare students to support the strategic goals of local communities.  “The door is now also open in the future for transfers between Clayton State and Atlanta Tech in other business degrees,” adds Mascaritolo.

About Clayton State University

A unit of the University System of Georgia where dreams are made real, Clayton State University is located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

About Atlanta Technical College

Atlanta Technical College, a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, is located in the city of Atlanta, and is an accredited institution of higher education, which provides affordable lifelong learning opportunities, associate degrees, diplomas, technical certificates of credit, customized business and industry training, continuing education, and other learning services, using state-of-the-art technology in more than 100 fields. The integration of academics and applied career preparation to enhance student learning is essential in meeting the workforce demands and economic development needs of the people, businesses, and communities of Fulton and Clayton counties.