Elizabeth City, N.C. — Two institutions signed, sealed and delivered a clearer flight path for aviation students with the signing of a co-admission agreement that will create a seamless pathway to advance from an associate degree at Lenoir Community College (LCC) to a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Science at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU).
Leaders from both institutions signed the agreement at LCC’s Senator Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence at the North Carolina Global TransPark. The agreement expands access to aviation education and flight training, giving students a direct path from LCC to a four-year degree at ECSU, with options to continue either on campus or online.
“This partnership creates an incredible opportunity for students in Lenoir, Greene, and Jones counties and throughout eastern North Carolina,” LCC President Dr. Rusty Hunt said. “Students can begin their aviation education at LCC, train right here at the Aviation Center for Excellence, and have a clear pathway to continue toward a four-year degree with Elizabeth City State University.”
Through the agreement, students in LCC’s Aviation Management and Career Pilot Technology program may apply for co-admission to ECSU’s Aviation Science program. After completing their Associate in Applied Science degree at LCC, qualifying graduates will have a pathway to continue toward a bachelor’s degree at ECSU.
The partnership also brings ECSU’s FAA Part 141 flight training to LCC’s Aviation Center for Excellence. Co-admitted students may complete flight instruction with ECSU flight instructors and aircraft while utilizing the classrooms, briefing and study spaces, aviation training devices, and other resources available at the Center. The two institutions will coordinate instruction and resources to help students progress efficiently through their aviation education.
ECSU Chancellor Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Sr. said the partnership shows how two- and four-year institutions can work together to meet students’ needs while creating pathways to meaningful careers.
“It really comes down to how a two-year school and a four-year school meet the needs of students, whether their desire is to complete an associate degree or go on to earn a four-year degree,” Hargrove said. “It’s really providing pathways to careers for students. That’s what we’re all about here in the state of North Carolina: providing career opportunities for students and, hopefully, seeing those students stay in our state, contribute to its economic development, and add to our growing workforce.”
Hunt and Hargrove were joined in signing the agreement by LCC Senior Vice President of Instruction and Student Services Dr. Timothy Maddox-Fisher and ECSU Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Robert Corley. Aviation faculty and staff from both institutions also attended the signing.
The partnership builds upon an existing articulation agreement between LCC and ECSU while expanding opportunities to share aviation resources, coordinate instruction, and provide students with a clear pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree. Together, the institutions are working to expand access to aviation education and prepare more students for careers in the aviation and aerospace industries.
