Georgia Southwestern, Chattahoochee Valley Community College team up for education program collaboration

AMERICUS, Ga. (April 1, 2026) — Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) and Chattahoochee Valley Community College (CVCC), located in Phenix City, Ala., recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) designed to ensure concurrent enrollment and a smooth transition from CVCC to GSW’s bachelor’s degree programs in education.

“For too long, the path from community college to university has been unclear. It's been filled with uncertainty about which credits will transfer, how programs will align, and whether students will lose time and money in that transition,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D., during the signing. “Today, we're removing those barriers. We are telling students: ‘Your path is clear, it's supported and it’s designed with your success in mind.’”

Through this agreement, students at CVCC will be concurrently enrolled in three of GSW’s introductory education courses. Upon successful completion of an associate’s degree at CVCC, students who meet the requirements will be eligible to transfer to GSW.

CVCC Interim President Annette Funderburk expressed her enthusiasm about this partnership and opportunities to expand in the future. “This is just the beginning of a great partnership with the College of Education, and I do hope that we can further that with the other colleges at GSW.”

Learn more about GSW’s education programs at gsw.edu/education.

Pictured are (seated L-R) GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D.; CVCC Interim President Annette Funderburk; (standing L-R) Assistant Dean of GSW’s College of Education and Associate Professor of Education Christopher Pritchett, Ed.D.; Interim Dean of GSW’s College of Education Lettie Watford, Ph.D.; GSW Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Rachel Abbott, Ph.D.; CVCC Dean of Students and Campus Services Sherri Taylor, Ed.D.; CVCC Interim Athletic Director Ashley Landi; CVCC Dean of Instruction Nicole Cameron; and CVCC Associate Dean of Workforce Development and CTE Bobby Cook.