A new partnership with top-ranked New Mexico Tech (NMT), is a game-changer for San Juan College (SJC) students aspiring to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and computer science.
A new partnership with top-ranked New Mexico Tech (NMT), is a game-changer for San Juan College (SJC) students aspiring to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and computer science.
Five-year pilot program
SJC and NMT launched a pilot program this year after the schools signed a five-year agreement to enable students to transfer their credits seamlessly and access scholarships. Eligible SJC degree programs include the Associate of Science degrees in Engineering and Computer Science. Engineering students may transfer to NMT’s Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering degree programs. Computer science students may transfer to NMT’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Information Technology.
Scholarship help
The SJC Honors Program coordinator will nominate qualified students twice a year to receive scholarships. Students who will transfer to NMT after completing their SJC degree requirements are eligible for nomination. NMT will select students from the nominee list for three opportunities:
• The Merrion Scholar of the Year will receive the NMT Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship Award of $6,000 per year.
• Two students who complete SJC’s Merrion Master Scholar program will receive the NMT Regents Scholarship Award of $5,000 per year.
• Two students who complete SJC’s Merrion Distinguished Graduate program will receive the NMT Transfer Excel Scholarship Award of $4,000 per year.
Scholarships can be used for tuition and books for fall and spring semesters and are renewable for up to three years.
Extended educational opportunities
SJC President Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass said, “This monumental collaboration between San Juan College and New Mexico Tech empowers students to realize their full potential, ensuring their dreams are not limited by financial or institutional boundaries.” New Mexico Tech is ranked as a top regional university. Students transferring from SJC to NMT will transfer to a school where they’ll continue to receive a high-quality education.
Community and Foundation support
Following the suggestion of T. Greg Merrion, whose Foundation supports the program through the San Juan College Foundation, SJC History Professor and Honors Program Coordinator Dr. David Bramhall introduced the concept to the college an received strong and enthusiastic support from Dr. Toni Hopper Pendergrass, president of San Juan College. Dr. Pendergrass is a champion for affording our students exceptional opportunities for academic achievement,” says Bramhall. “This collaboration with New Mexico Tech stands as a testament to her commitment.” Dr. Brandon Whatley, vice president of the SJC Office of Learning, played an instrumental role in getting the program off the ground. “Dr. Whatley’s support was pivotal in launching this endeavor,” Bramhall added. “His dedication to educational excellence greatly contributed to its success.” For more information about the SJC-NMT transfer agreement, contact Dr. David Bramhall at bramhalld@sanjuancollege.edu.
