DCC's Transfer Program Opens Doors for Graduates
Danville Community College (DCC) has many academic programs and pathways to student success. DCC opens the door for many students to attend four-year universities and provides an affordable avenue to completing their first few years of study as they work toward earning a bachelor’s degree through the college’s transfer program.
Tremayne Coleman, Luanne Davis, and Michael Sheetz graduated from DCC on Saturday, May 13, but their academic journeys are far from over.
“Tremayne, Luanne, and Michael are three of this year’s outstanding transfer students. All three have been highly involved in clubs and student groups on campus and all three have worked to strengthen the bond between DCC and the Danville community," said DCC Transfer and Student Activities Coordinator Kirstin Pantazis. “These students have all been accepted to their choice of four-year schools and have received scholarships to assist them as they continue their educational journey."
Coleman, 41, of Danville, will study information logistics technology this fall at Virginia State University.
“My decision to attend DCC was two-fold. On one hand, I was really tired of the life that I was living and desired more stability. After researching the employment landscape of the country and projections for the most rewarding fields, I visited the DCC website," Coleman explained. “I then visited Mr. Steve Carrigan who is a professor in the information technology curriculum to discuss my choice. After having an honest talk with him, and considering the proximity and affordability of the college, I wanted to attend DCC even more."
At DCC, Coleman served as president of Alpha Beta Gamma, an International Business Honor Society established by business professors in 1970 to recognize and encourage scholarship among two-year business and professional college students, in addition to serving in various capacities in DCC’s Student Government Association (SGA) and Phi Theta Kappa.
Looking ahead, Coleman said that he is excited about the next phase of his studies.
“I am looking forward to the entire HBCU (Historically Black Colleges or Universities) experience. More specifically, I am excited to participate in the National Society of Black Engineers, of which I am a member. I am excited to be able to interact with other scholars and educators," Coleman said. “I am taking this opportunity to not only establish myself academically and as a positive contributor within my career field, but also as a quality person. That is what I look forward to learning the most from VSU."
Davis, 39, of Danville, will study English and psychology this fall at Averett University, before pursuing a master’s degree with the intent to teach at the college level.
“The best thing about attending DCC was regaining the confidence I needed to get back into studying and succeeding in school as well as the friendships that were made with my fellow students and the college faculty," Davis said. “I have met so many inspiring people at DCC and I look forward to taking what I have learned in the last two years and applying it at Averett."
Until graduation this month, Davis served as secretary and fellowship chair in Phi Theta Kappa, an international honor society established in 1918 which serves to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students and provide opportunities for individual growth and development through honor, leadership, and service programming. She was also active in DCC’s SGA.
Davis said that she decided to attend DCC first because she believed it would help her transition back into the academic lifestyle.
“I had been out of school a long time and I wanted to ease back into it with smaller classes and it was more affordable," she explained. “DCC has given me so many tools that I know will aid in my continued success. I am looking forward to meeting new people and continuing my education at Averett."
Sheetz, 31, of Danville, will study psychology and marketing or business management this fall at Old Dominion University.
“I first attended DCC because of its proximity to me and later found out how much money I was saving going there rather than a four-year school. The low cost of attendance makes a degree accessible, and the small class sizes mean you get to know your teachers and can get one-on-one help when needed," Sheetz said. “Also, as a non-traditional student, it was much easier for me to attend DCC first."
Sheetz said that his experience at DCC was shaped, in large part, by the people who work at the college.
“The faculty and staff at DCC are really the best resource the college has. I truly don’t know what I would have done without their guidance and knowledge. It truly shows that they have a passion for the work they are doing. I would like to share a very heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each and every employee of DCC," Sheetz said. “You all make it a wonderful place to learn."
As a student, Sheetz served as treasurer of the college’s SGA.
Sheetz said he plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology, as well.
Attending DCC first with the intent to transfer makes the most sense for many students.
“Choosing to attend community college and transfer to a four-year school is more popular, and easier, than ever before. Benefits of taking the transfer route include: Saving students thousands of dollars, smaller class sizes with more personalized attention, a diverse student population, guaranteed admission to more than 40 Virginia schools and articulation agreements with many out-of-state schools, and varied and flexible schedules that allow students to try out different programs and find what they love," Pantazis said. “Research has proven that students who are engaged while in college have higher completion rates and more fulfilling collegiate experiences; community college offers the chance to become involved both on campus and in the community. And students who are involved at community college tend to remain involved when they transfer to four-year schools. Whether you go straight to a four-year school or transfer from a community college, the end result is the same—a bachelor’s degree. Start at DCC—and transfer anywhere!"
DCC has guaranteed admission and articulation agreements with more than 50 colleges and universities, including Averett University, Longwood University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, and George Mason University. On average, students save $14,000 by studying at DCC for the first two years of their undergraduate study when compared to public, in-state tuition. Savings increase even more when considering private or out-of-state universities.