The agreement will help enhance opportunities for those wishing to further their education while adding to the global workforce.
Texas Tech University and South Plains College (SPC) signed an agreement on Wednesday (July 10) for the Texan to Red Raider Program, aimed at enhancing access, affordability, quality, success and cost efficiency in Texas' higher education institutions.
Texas Tech President Lawrence Schovanec and South Plains College President Robin Satterwhite signed the agreement at a ceremony at the McKenzie-Merket Alumni Center, linking the two institutions in the pursuit of enhancing access to higher education and strengthening the workforce.
The Texan to Red Raider Program is a collaborative initiative designed to support the State of Texas and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's (THECB) Building a Talent Strong Texas strategic plan. This initiative promotes a more globally competent workforce by increasing the number of individuals pursuing further education. The program seeks to increase access to higher education for participants through a unique framework that encourages continued academic success and reduces overall costs.
“The mission of the Texan to Red Raider Program is to provide a seamless transition for students from South Plains College to Texas Tech University,” said Jamie Hansard, vice president of Enrollment Management at Texas Tech. “We are excited to support this initiative and contribute to the development of a skilled and educated workforce in Texas.”
The program outlines a concurrent enrollment agreement between Texas Tech and SPC, ensuring admission to Texas Tech upon successful completion of the program requirements. Additionally, it allows students to apply qualified Texas Tech course credits toward the completion of an associate degree at SPC, creating a streamlined and efficient pathway to higher education.
“The partnership between SPC and Texas Tech exemplifies our commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable,” said Ryan Gibbs, vice president of Academic Affairs at SPC. “This program will provide students with the necessary support to achieve academic success and reduce the financial burden of obtaining a college degree.”