NCCU and Alamance Community College Expand Eagle ACCess Program

DURHAM, NC – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) and Alamance Community College (ACC) have expanded their joint Eagle ACCess program in an effort to enhance the talent pipeline for North Carolina’s fast-growing life sciences industry.

The two educational institutions held a signing ceremony on June 12 inside ACC’s new Biotechnology Center of Excellence to officially announce the new agreement.

Under the new transfer articulation agreement, NCCU will offer ACC students courses as part of the requirements for its Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences degree programs. Classes, academic support, and advising will be provided on ACC’s campus or through distance learning options so that students will not have to travel beyond ACC to earn a bachelor’s degree. ACC students will also have access to NCCU’s vast digital resources through the James E. Shepard Memorial Library and the opportunity to engage in departmental activities and student organizations.

“North Carolina Central University’s continued partnership with Alamance Community College has helped us expand our footprint in the state of North Carolina and extend ‘The Eagle Promise’ to all individuals who are in search of an empowering learning environment to champion their future,” said Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D., NCCU chancellor. “Students who participate in the expanded Eagle ACCess program can trust that they will be prepared by our top-notch faculty and staff to succeed in high-demand life sciences positions with an on-time graduation schedule that includes multiple leadership and service opportunities.”

“This partnership represents a significant milestone in our commitment to expanding educational opportunities and meeting the evolving needs of our students and community. By offering a bachelor’s degree on the campus of ACC, we are providing a seamless pathway for our students to continue their education and obtain advanced credentials in a high-demand field. We are grateful to NCCU for their collaboration and their recognition of the excellent academic foundation that ACC provides. Together, we will ensure that our students receive a rigorous and comprehensive education that combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, preparing them to excel in the dynamic and competitive biotechnology sector,” said Dr. Algie Gatewood, president of ACC.

According to the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), the life sciences industry in the state has grown by nearly 40% over the past 10 years. As one of the top states for industry employment, North Carolina’s pharma manufacturing field is also twice the size of the national average, further underscoring the benefits of the Eagle ACCess program for corporate partners.

Established in 2017, Eagle ACCess includes an additional eight associate-and bachelor-degree offerings that are delivered jointly through ACC and NCCU, including several hybrid courses provided on-campus or online. They are comprised of the following Associate of Applied Science (AAS), Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degrees:

• AAS in Biotechnology to BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• AAS in Information Technology to BS in Computer Science and Business.
• AAS in Accounting to BBA in Accounting.
• AAS in Business (marketing concentration) to BBA in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing.
• AAS in Business Administration to BBA in Business Administration with a concentration in management.
• AAS in Culinary Arts to BS in Hospitality and Tourism Administration.
• AAS in Early Childhood Education to BS in Early Childhood Education (B-K).
• AAS in Early Childhood Education to BS in Child Development and Family Relations

 About North Carolina Central University

North Carolina Central University (NCCU) prepares students to succeed in the global marketplace. Consistently ranked as a top Historically Black College or University, NCCU offers flagship programs in the sciences, education, law, business, nursing, and the arts. Founded in 1910 and located in the Research Triangle Region, NCCU remains committed to diversity in and access to higher education. The university, which offers bachelor’s degrees in more than 100 disciplines, master’s degrees in more than 40 areas, and a Ph.D. in integrated biosciences, has an expanding academic portfolio that meets current and future workforce demands in industries from clinical research to information technology. NCCU’s signature graduate and undergraduate degrees are housed in seven colleges and schools. NCCU is a leader in the scientific study of health disparities and provides students with the opportunity to gain laboratory skills and experience working with faculty researchers and pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry professionals in two, state-of-the-art research institutes that are housed on campus. For more information, visit www.nccu.edu or call (919) 530-6100.

About Alamance Community College

Alamance Community College (ACC) is a dynamic educational institution located in North Carolina, providing students with a wide range of educational opportunities. ACC offers a diverse array of programs and courses across various fields, including business, health sciences, liberal arts, and technology. Students benefit from a supportive learning environment, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities that foster hands-on training and career readiness. One of ACC’s key strengths lies in its robust network of partnerships with universities, the local workforce, and area businesses and industries. The College partners with employers to develop customized training programs and provides workforce development initiatives to enhance the skills and qualifications of individuals in the community. 

Alamance Community College is dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and high-quality education and training opportunities, empowering students to achieve their academic and career goals while contributing to the economic and social development of the region it serves.