Tri-State University has collaborated with Ivy Tech Community College, and together they have created a new program specifically for Ivy Tech graduates. Earl D. Brooks II, Ph.D., president of TSU, and Mark Keen, Ph.D., chancellor of Ivy Tech, signed a proclamation of partnership on Friday morning at Ivy Tech’s campus in Fort Wayne. The program will allow students with associate degrees the opportunity to earn their bachelor’s degrees in as little as 62 weeks—and at a reduced price. In addition, TSU is also offering scholarships for high achieving Ivy Tech students.

“Ivy Tech is extremely pleased to be entering into this new partnership with our good friends at Tri-State University,” said Keen. “The Accelerate ‘U’ program represents an extremely attractive rung on the career ladder that is available to residents of northeast Indiana. Ivy Tech has always taken pride in being an affordable and expeditious route to higher education and careers. Accelerate ‘U’ provides those same opportunities to students who want to continue their education beyond the associate degree.”

The program is made possible through accelerated coursework in TSU’s School of Professional Studies. Ivy Tech students will have several majors to choose from, depending on their associate degree. In addition, TSU will guarantee a graduation date for Ivy Tech students. According to Jean Deller, Ph.D., dean of the School of Professional Studies at TSU, all Ivy Tech degrees will immediately articulate to TSU, meaning no problems with transfer or number of credits. Other benefits, like small class sizes, credit for prior learning, evening and weekend classes, online and telecourse classes, and financial aid, to those who qualify, are also offered in the program.

Set to begin immediately, Ivy Tech students will have the convenience of taking courses on any one of TSU’s six locations offering the Accelerate “U” program—TSU Fort Wayne, TSU South Bend, TSU Merrillville, TSU Angola – North Campus, Howe Military School in Howe, and Four County Vocational School in Kendallville.

“We’re excited about this new partnership with Ivy Tech and the value it will provide to students in the region,” said Brooks. “TSU will continue to meet the diverse needs of our students in progressive and innovative ways in order to help all people realize their potential and achieve their dreams.”