Nash Community College recently announced a new partnership with Wayne Community College (WCC) to expand academic opportunities for students through an Instructional Service Agreement (ISA).
The agreement allows NCC students to pursue WCC’s Associate in Applied Science – Artificial Intelligence Engineer degree while remaining enrolled at Nash. Students will complete their first-year general education requirements at NCC and then transition into WCC’s online AI courses.
“This partnership ensures Nash students have direct access to one of the most innovative programs in the country,” said Dr. Lew Hunnicutt, president of NCC. “Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and our students will now be able to gain the skills employers are seeking, without leaving their home campus.”
WCC was the first community college in North Carolina, and only the second in the nation, to offer an associate degree specializing in artificial intelligence. The program equips students with the knowledge to design, implement and support AI systems, preparing them to meet workforce demand across a wide range of industries.
WCC President Dr. Patty Pfeiffer notes, “The world is embracing artificial intelligence, and our students need to understand how to leverage this powerful tool because it is going to be an essential part of our everyday lives. As businesses across our region seek professionals who understand and know how to apply AI, we’re proud to play a role in equipping our future workforce.”
“We currently offer robust and diverse Information Technology degree pathways at Nash,” said Dr. Amy Harrel, vice president of instruction and chief academic officer at NCC. “This collaboration with WCC opens one more door of opportunity to Nash County students who are interested in employment in the IT field.”
Through the new ISA, NCC joins a growing network of institutions offering the degree in collaboration with WCC. Students who complete the program will graduate with an associate degree from WCC while also benefitting from the academic and support services provided by NCC.
“North Carolina’s community colleges are strongest when we work together,” said Dr. Hunnicutt. “We are proud to partner with Wayne to prepare students for high-demand, high-tech careers and to ensure our region is ready to embrace the opportunities AI will bring.”
For more information about the Artificial Intelligence Engineer degree and enrollment opportunities, contact Nash Community College at 252-428-7350 or advising@nashcc.edu.
