Collin College and Baylor University Establish Partnership
Collaboration aims to streamline transfer processes between institutions
MCKINNEY, Texas (Jan. 26, 2015) – Collin College and Baylor University have officially launched a Baylor Bound transfer agreement, designed to facilitate student transfers and enhance educational opportunities across Texas.
During a signing ceremony at the Collin Higher Education Center in McKinney, Collin College’s Interim District President Colleen Smith and Baylor President Ken Starr came together to formalize the partnership.
As part of its Pro Futuris strategic initiative, Baylor aims to establish ten Baylor Bound partnerships with prominent community colleges in Texas over the next five years. This agreement marks Baylor’s fourth such collaboration, following partnerships with McLennan Community College in Waco, Tyler Junior College in Tyler, and Blinn College in Brenham.
“Most freshmen and sophomores at Collin College plan to transfer to a university, so this partnership provides them with a significant advantage,” stated Mac Hendricks, Collin College Board of Trustees Chairman. “We are thrilled to announce our collaboration with Baylor as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of our college.”
The Baylor Bound program is aimed at dedicated students from Collin College who meet specific criteria and plan to transfer to Baylor to pursue their bachelor’s degrees. Students can begin participating in the program starting in the fall of 2016 with an expected transfer to Baylor in the fall of 2017.
“A college education is the most influential factor in an individual’s professional success, and the Baylor Bound agreement was created to streamline the journey toward earning a degree,” Dr. Smith remarked. “This partnership reflects our mutual commitment to empowering local students to thrive.”
“The Baylor Bound program is a fantastic avenue for community college students aspiring to access education at Baylor University,” said President Starr. “It is designed to ensure qualified students can transfer efficiently and effectively, optimizing their time and financial resources. We appreciate Collin College’s commitment to this partnership, which broadens educational access for earnest students in North Texas.”
Interested students can declare their intention to transfer to Baylor by submitting a Baylor Bound application either before initial enrollment at Collin or while they are attending as full-time students. The program’s admission will be managed by Baylor’s Office of Admission Services.
Students accepted into the Baylor Bound program will have the opportunity to select from 65 majors, each supported by specific Major Academic Planners (MAPS) that guide them toward timely completion of their degrees. Additional information regarding these majors and transfer course equivalencies between Baylor and Collin is accessible at: www.baylor.edu/advising/bbmaps.
Students must enroll in an approved Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) academic program that aligns with an authorized Baylor Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.), Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.), or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree, and they should use Baylor’s Major Academic Planner to guide their coursework.
Advisers from both colleges will assist students in choosing courses that fulfill program requirements, ensuring a successful transition to full-time status at Baylor. Additionally, Collin Baylor Bound students will receive information regarding scholarships for transfer students and specialized transfer residential experiences. They will also have access to Baylor’s library resources through the Interlibrary Loan Agreement and opportunities to visit Baylor’s campus and engage with Baylor representatives.
On the day of the signing ceremony and reception, officials, alumni, and special guests from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area gathered to celebrate the partnership. Among the speakers were Baylor graduate David Brooks, B.B.A. ’80, M.B.A. ’81, chairman and CEO of Independent Bank Group in McKinney, and Mac Hendricks, chairman of the Collin College Board of Trustees.
ABOUT COLLIN COLLEGE
Collin College is a community college located in Collin County, North Texas. It is one of the fastest-growing educational institutions in the state, serving nearly 52,000 credit and continuing education students annually with over 100 degrees and certificates available. With seven campuses throughout the district, Collin College collaborates with businesses, government entities, and industries, providing tailored training and workforce development programs.
ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Baylor University is a private Christian institution and a nationally recognized research university, designated by the Carnegie Foundation for its “high research activity.” The university fosters a dynamic campus environment for roughly 15,000 students, blending interdisciplinary research with a strong reputation for educational excellence and faculty dedication to teaching and research. Founded in 1845 by Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continuously operating university in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and over 80 countries, offering a diverse range of degrees across 11 esteemed academic divisions. Baylor also competes in athletics as a member of the Big 12 Conference, sponsoring 19 varsity teams.
Contacts:
Marisela Cadena-Smith, Collin College 972.758.3896, mcsmith@collin.edu
Lori Fogleman, Baylor University, 254.701.6275, Lori_Fogleman@baylor.edu
