THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University and Fletcher Technical Community College signed three agreements Tuesday, including an emphasis on preparing students to enter the early childhood education field.
Nicholls President Dr. Jay Clune and Fletcher Chancellor Dr. Kristine Strickland signed the agreements at Fletcher’s main campus in Schriever. The goal of the accord is to ensure credits transfer between the two institutions for various programs, including early childhood education and petroleum engineering.
“Chancellor Dr. Strickland and I decided early on that we were not going to compete,” said Dr. Clune. “We decided we were going to benefit one another, complement one another, be completely transparent with one another and share everything. There are so many things we can work on together to better the Bayou Region.”
One memorandum of understanding connects Fletcher’s applied science in care and development of young children program with Nicholls’ birth-to-five/early interventionist program. The second will connect Fletcher’s integrated production technology program with Nicholls’ petroleum engineering technology and safety management program.
“Across the board in the state of Louisiana, birth to five education as a major is a top priority,” said Dr. Scot Rademaker, dean of the Nicholls College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. “I think this agreement between Nicholls and Fletcher will help bolster that and help us prepare students ready to go into the early childhood education field a better understanding.”
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards is prioritizing the state’s early childhood education during his second term.
“This program is perfectly timed to align with that new emphasis and the importance of educating our youth,” said Dr. Strickland. “Investing in and focusing on early childhood is where we create opportunities for our children and their futures.
Dr. Clune and Dr. Strickland also completed an update to the two school’s cross-enrollment agreement.
“We know people want a pathway to achieve not only an associate’s degree but a baccalaureate degree and beyond,” Dr. Strickland said. “And it is through the strong foundation that has occurred over the years and continues in our partnership with President Dr. Clune and his entire staff that we can say to our community, that all the options you need for education are right here in your backyard.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 12, 2020
MEDIA CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu
