Baylor University and Temple College Announce Partnership on New ‘Baylor Bound’ Transfer Agreement

April 23, 2015

Agreement will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions

Contacts: Tonya Lewis, Baylor University, 254-710-4656 and Erin Spencer, Temple College, 254-298-8591 Follow Baylor Media Communications on Twitter: @BaylorUMedia

WACO, Texas (April 23, 2015) – Baylor University and Temple College today announced the creation of a formal Baylor Bound transfer agreement that will help students transfer more easily between the two institutions and continue to expand educational opportunities for young people all across Texas.

Temple College President Glenda Barron and Baylor President and Chancellor Ken Starr signed the partnership agreement during a ceremony in the Leopard Room at the Pavilion at Temple College.

As one of its goals under the Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor intends to create 10 Baylor Bound partnerships during the next five years. The Baylor-Temple agreement is the fifth partnership, along with McLennan Community College in Waco, Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Blinn College in Brenham and Collin College in McKinney.

The Baylor Bound program will serve highly motivated Temple students who, upon meeting the program's criteria, will transfer to Baylor to complete their baccalaureate degrees.

"We at Temple College are excited for the opportunity to enter into this historic partnership with Baylor University for the benefit of our students. Baylor Bound opens the door for Temple College students to seamlessly transfer to Baylor University with the potential for scholarship support. Working together, we will make it possible for TC students to get the higher education they need to be successful in life," Dr. Barron said.

"The remarkably popular Baylor Bound program represents an affordable alternative for many community college students who wish to complete their degree studies at Baylor University," Starr said. "We are grateful to Temple College for entering into this collaborative partnership, which will expand educational access for students both in this community and throughout Central Texas."

The Baylor-Temple agreement helps to solidify a commitment on the part of both institutions to provide an educated and skilled workforce.

"A highly educated workforce is the engine that propels our national economy and ensures our future prosperity," said Drayton McLane Jr., B.B.A. '58, chairman of Temple-based McLane Group and Baylor Regent Emeritus. "I really think there is an important role in workforce education for Community Colleges. Temple College has filled this role since 1936, and they have proven to be a great pathway for skilled education for our young people. This great partnership between Baylor University and Temple Community College represents an exciting new opportunity for young people in our community who seek educational excellence with affordability. "

Students may declare their intent to transfer to Baylor by submitting the Baylor Bound application prior to enrolling at Temple or while enrolled as a full-time student. Admission to the program will be determined by Baylor's Office of Admission Services.

Temple students who become part of the Baylor Bound program can choose a plan from 66 majors, all of which are articulated through specific MAPS – or Major Academic Planners – that will assist them as they move toward timely degree completion. More information about these majors and course transfer equivalency between Baylor and Temple is available at www.baylor.edu/advising/bbmaps. Students must be enrolled in an approved A.A. or A.S. academic program leading to an approved Baylor B.B.A., B.A., B.S.W. or B.S. degree and refer to Baylor's Major Academic Planner when planning coursework.

Advisers from both institutions will help students select courses that satisfy program requirements to allow for a successful transition from Temple to full-time status at Baylor. Temple Baylor Bound students also will receive information about scholarships for transfer students and special transfer residential experiences. Also, Temple students will have access to Baylor's libraries via the Interlibrary Loan Agreement as well as special opportunities to visit the Baylor campus and meet with Baylor representatives.

Baylor and Temple officials, along with alumni, friends and special guests from across the region, gathered at a reception following the signing to celebrate the historic partnership between the two institutions. Speakers included Baylor alumnus Dr. Bob Pryor, B.S. '73, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer at Baylor Scott & White Health, Starr and Barron.

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 15,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 11 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.

ABOUT TEMPLE COLLEGE

Founded in 1926, Temple College is a comprehensive community college in Temple, Texas, that offers an array of educational opportunities in an ongoing effort to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of its 5,200 students. The College serves as a point of access to numerous professional fields of study through its transfer curriculum leading to the Associate of Arts degree, and the AAS degree prepares students for employment in technical careers, which require only two years of higher education.