MCC and A&M go one-on-one in 2+2 program

By MANDY SPIKES | Central Texas Edition

Dr. Ron Epps and 19-year-old Alicia Mathews run lab tests during one of the veterinary technician classes held at MCC. - Photos by Mandy Spikes

August 21, 2003 -- For the first time, McLennan Community College (MCC) in Waco and Texas A&M University (TAMU) have teamed up to help local Central Texas students who are interested in a veterinary medicine career accomplish their goal.

A recent agreement signed between the two colleges has allowed the admission and academic transfer of students from MCC to the biomedical science department in the TAMU college of veterinary medicine. As students progress through the completion of the associate degree at MCC, the agreement will ensure a smooth transition of the student into the biomedical science program.

"This agreement came about when it came to our attention that many students in our veterinary technology program were interested in going to vet school," explained Ronald Epps, program director for veterinary technology at MCC.

He talked with Skip Landis, head of the science department at TAMU, about adding MCC to list of community colleges that offer a 'two plus two' agreement with the university. Epps picked classes that he knew would transfer to TAMU and an agreement between the two academic establishments was formed.

"Both the curriculum and course load that the student must take and maintain in the biomedical science program here is the same, whether or not they want to go to TAMU. Students will take about 17 to 18 hours per semester and must maintain a 3.6 grade point average. This is to help prepare them for a four year college."

Epps reminds students that just because they are going for the vet science degree doesn't mean they will get in automatically. "They must apply in order to get into TAMU's veterinary medicine program."

This new agreement has opened new doors for MCC students, he added. The number one gain is that the students are able to participate in an outstanding program to help start their college career, but they won't have to pay the high price that a university charges.

"According to my preliminary estimates, the ballpark figure that a MCC student will save by going through the program will be approximately $20,000. The best thing is that they won't have to sacrifice anything because they will still be getting the same information and education if they were going through TAMU's classes."

The agreement is signed between staff members of MCC and TAMU. Standing, left to right, is Randy Schormann, Dianne Ogden, Al Pollard, Dr. Jeff Watson, Buddy Powell, Dr. Ron Epps, and F.H. Skip Landis. Seated, from left, is Dr. H. Richard Adams and Dr. Jack Schneider. - A&M courtesy photo

A second benefit Epps said was the smaller classroom setting allows students to get the one-on-one attention they might need. "You will be able to spend more time talking to the professor, asking questions, and getting the information you need."

"Partnerships in education are one key to providing opportunities for our high achieving students," said Dr. H. Richard Adams, dean of the college of veterinary medicine, TAMU. "The college of veterinary medicine is pleased to join McLennan Community College in offering this opportunity to students in the Waco area."

"It is a privilege for us to partner with Texas A&M University and we are pleased to provide this opportunity for our students who want to transfer into the Biomedical Science Program," Jack Schneider, vice president for instruction at MCC, said. "MCC is widely recognized for quality academic programs and this agreement speaks very highly of our science departments."