ECC and UMO Sign Agribusiness Transfer Agreement
Edgecombe Community College and University of Mount Olive officials announce a new transfer agreement that enables ECC agribusiness technology degree graduates to transfer to UMO to complete a BA or BS degree in agribusiness. From left are Dr. Johnica Ellis-Kiser, Melissa Mabie, and Dr. Greg McLeod of ECC; Dr. Ed Croom and Dr. Jason Davis of UMO; and Michael Starling, ECC.
Edgecombe Community College agribusiness technology graduates have a new option available to continue their studies at the University of Mount Olive.
ECC President Dr. Greg McLeod and UMO President Dr. Ed Croom have signed an agreement that will enable ECC agribusiness technology graduates to transfer to UMO to complete a BA or BS degree in agribusiness.
The agreement has been in the works for nearly a year, according to Dr. Johnica Ellis-Kiser, program chair of business administration at ECC. “We designed the agreement so that our students can transfer seamlessly to their four-year program,” she says.
The signing ceremony was held on March 14 and was followed by a tour of ECC’s agribusiness classroom and greenhouse.
The University of Mount Olive has a robust curriculum in agriculture-related areas with 13 degree programs and more than 300 students enrolled.
“This agreement provides a great opportunity for ECC students who want to continue their studies in agriculture,” Dr. McLeod says. “It will equip students with the advanced skills they need to be leaders in the field.”
ECC’s agribusiness technology program began in fall 2020 with six students and has grown to 43 students. Coursework includes farm management, crop production, farm maintenance, animal science, horticultural science, and sustainable farming.
ECC offers a five-semester degree program, a three-semester diploma program, and certificates in agriculture, animal science, and horticulture that can be earned in two semesters.
In addition, certificate programs in agribusiness and animal science are available for Edgecombe high school students. These credentials at the high school level can be applied toward the college program.
To learn more about the agribusiness technology program at ECC, please contact Dr. Ellis-Kiser at ellisj@edgecombe.edu.