Niceville, Fla. - Thanks to a new partnership between Northwest Florida State College and Florida State University Panama City, students will now have a smoother transition and easier access to four-year bachelor’s degree programs through the Connect to FSU Panama City program. This new partnership was announced Tuesday, June 20, by FSU Panama City Dean Randy Hanna and NWFSC President Devin Stephenson.

The articulation agreement that governs this new program was signed during a brief ceremony as a part of the meeting of the NWFSC Board of Trustees.

“This partnership will allow students to map their education through an advanced degree without having the burden of unnecessary courses and additional tuition,” Hanna said. “Northwest Florida State College provides a solid academic foundation that prepares students for the rigors of a tier-one university.”

Hanna noted that FSU Panama City advisors will have a regular presence in NWFSC’s Advising Center and will conduct advising sessions for students in the program. Students will benefit from a seamless transfer of records from NWFSC to FSU Panama City and special transition activities for NWFSC students to prepare them for integration into FSU Panama City.

 “This partnership ties in directly to FSU Panama City’s commitment to provide opportunities for student success, timely degree completion and preparation for students entering the workforce,” said Jim Allen, FSU Panama City’s director of enrollment management and student success.

Students participating in the program who earn an Associate of Arts degree and meet program requirements are guaranteed admission to FSU Panama City.

“The Connect to FSU Panama City program is a seamless pathway to success for Northwest Florida students seeking a bachelor’s degree from FSU Panama City,” Stephenson said. “We must continue to remove the barriers that impede our students’ progress toward a degree or credential, and this program is a step toward removing these obstacles for Northwest Florida students.

“Dr. Hanna and his staff are dedicated to creating clear academic paths for students, and we look forward to the development of a robust and successful partnership with FSU Panama City.”

For more information about Connect to FSU Panama City, please call NWFSC Admissions Office at (850) 729-5374; email admissions@nwfsc.edu, or call FSU Panama City admissions at (850) 770-2160 or email admissions@pc.fsu.edu, or stop by the NWFSC Admissions office located in the Student Services Building on the Niceville Campus.