UT Tyler, TJC Establish Patriot Pathway

TYLER — The University of Texas at Tyler and Tyler Junior College have strengthened their collaboration and partnership through the Patriot Pathway program, according to a UT Tyler news release. The “Patriot Pathway” articulation agreement was signed Friday on the UT Tyler campus to officially establish the program. It includes strategies that will provide a seamless transition of TJC graduates to UT Tyler, according to the release. The Patriot Pathway will increase educational access for students throughout East Texas, said Dr. Ross Sherman, UT Tyler interim provost and vice president for academic affairs. Students will be able to transition from TJC to UT Tyler to achieve their baccalaureate degree without loss of credit, time or additional expense.

Officials say Patriot Pathway will give students a defined roadmap of what courses to complete at TJC during their freshman and sophomore years. The program will also offer a clear list of the remaining courses required from UT Tyler during their junior and seniors years leading to the completion of a bachelors degree, according to officials. There is great momentum in East Texas toward a strong college-going and college-completion culture, and the synergy between our teams is key, said Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC provost and vice president for academic and student affairs. Working directly with Dr. Ross Sherman has been an honor. We both value the leadership and work of our respective teams from academic and student affairs and their focus on student and community success.

The agreement also will assist students in completing their educational objectives, according to the news reelase. Both UT Tyler and TJC leaders are participating in the regions Collective Impact work, which is intended to increase the educational attainment levels for East Texas, focusing on economic development and regional prosperity. UT Tyler and TJC are committed to providing educational opportunities for the citizens of East Texas, Sherman added. TJC enrolls more than 10,000 students annually. The college offers associate degrees, proficiency certificates and workforce training programs. UT Tyler has an enrollment of more than 8,000 students and offers bachelors and masters degrees as well as two Ph.D. programs.