UTPB, Coastal Bend to announce agreement

The University of Texas Permian Basin will formally announce its newest articulation agreement with Coastal Bend College at a news conference set for 9:30 a.m. Friday in the library foyer.

“This partnership is important so that we can serve students in our region and throughout the State of Texas. As a peer Hispanic Serving Institution who serves a rural student population, working closely with Coastal Bend College allows us to help students navigate the path to earn their baccalaureate degree and master’s degree. We are committed to being student-focused and responsive to our community. This agreement supports increasing the number of students attaining advanced degrees and education,” UTPB President Sandra Woodley said in a news release.

Coastal Bend College President Justin Hoggard said his college also was excited to enter into this transfer agreement with UTPB.

“… This is a wonderful opportunity for CBC students. What sets this agreement apart from others is — this addresses the ‘what’s next’ question. Students who pursue this option will be uniquely positioned to continue their undergraduate and graduate degrees at UTPB,” Hoggard said in the release.

By creating an articulation agreement, students will be able to transfer from Coastal Bend College to UTPB, ensuring their credits come with them. This will help students graduate faster and save them money. UT Permian Basin has many similar articulation agreements with colleges in the region, including Odessa College, Midland College, Howard College, Tarrant County College, and others, the release said.

UTPB Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs Zachary Suarez said the agreement will not only make the transition process smooth, but will ensure that students have a better understanding of the course requirements for a baccalaureate program at UTPB, thereby allowing them to save time and money by making the best course selection choices.

“Additionally, this articulation agreement ensures that students will have seamless pathways to graduate programs at the university as well. I am very excited about this important step toward expanding the opportunities that students in the Coastal Bend region will have through the world-class baccalaureate and master’s programs available at UTPB,” Suarez said in the release.