Colleges partner up

FREMONT — Bowling Green State University and Terra State Community College collaborated to create a new degree pathway. The new 2+2 degree pathway will support those earning a bachelor's degree in BGSU's engineering and innovation college. This program, according to officials from both institutions: • Allows students to transfer all their associate degree credits from six eligible Terra State programs into any of the 15 undergraduate degree programs in BGSU's engineering and innovation college • Pushes students to complete their first two years at the community college, then transfer to BGSU to earn a bachelor's degree • Promotes on-time graduation while reducing cost. The institutions' partnership is a demonstration of commitment to accessibility and supporting workforce demands, according to a BGSU press release. "We are excited to work even closer with Terra State Community College, building on a longtime relationship to create new opportunities for students and strengthen our region's robust educational ecosystem," BGSU president Rodney Rogers said. "As a public university for the public good, we are pleased to work strategically across our educational landscape to ensure students have many options, leading to great careers and great lives." Terra State Community College president Ronald Schumacher described the partnership as a game-changer for students pursuing engineering careers. "By streamlining the transition from associate to bachelor's degrees, we are opening doors to incredible opportunities and ensuring that students receive top-tier education and hands-on experience," Schumacher said. "We are proud to collaborate with BGSU in empowering the next generation of engineers." Eligible Terra State programs to participate in the pathway include computer systems, construction technology, digital media technology, electricity, manufacturing engineering or power technologies. Students in these programs must maintain a minimum 2.0 cumulative grade point average, submit their official transcript to BGSU and apply for admission. Applicants who maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average can apply for BGSU scholarships. BGSU's engineering and innovation college includes aviation, engineering and built environment schools. Also included are degree programs that prepare graduates for careers in aviation, engineering, robotics, architecture, construction management and visual communication technology. "This partnership underscores our commitment to preparing students with the hands-on skills and strong theoretical foundation needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving workforce," said Wael Mokhtar, dean of the BGSU's engineering and innovation college. The pathway from Terra State to BGSU helps students gain technical expertise, critical thinking and real-world experience that Ohio employers are in demand of, according to Mokhtar. "This exciting partnership will provide even more opportunities for the students in our region to earn advanced academic credentials in technology and skilled trades programs," Doug Mead, vice president of academic affairs at Terra State Community College, said. Through investments in technology, infrastructure and academic programs, BGSU continues to bring notability to its engineering and innovation college, according to a press release. The college's state-of-the-art Technology Engineering Innovation Center is now under construction but set to open in spring 2026. It will include seven large specialty labs for experimental learning on robotics and engineering technology. The center is located next to Kokosing Hall where the School of the Built Environment is housed. There is a nationwide demand for pilots, according to a news release from BGSU, and the university's aviation school is preparing students to fill open positions.