NCTC, MSU Build on Rich History

North Central Texas College (NCTC) is building on its rich history with Midwestern State University (MSU) to expand possibilities for students on the NCTC Flower Mound campus. The two schools will partner on a new facility on NCTC's Flower Mound campus that will allow NCTC students to finish their associate degrees and seamlessly continue their education to pursue selected baccalaureate degrees on the same campus. This is a unique opportunity for students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to pursue a four-year degree. 

“Our goal with this partnership is to connect people to a baccalaureate degree that is affordable and accessible,” said Dr. Emily Klement, NCTC Associate Vice President of Instructional Partnerships. Klement, who was previously Dean of the Bowie and Graham campuses for NCTC, and MSU Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management Dr. Keith Lamb have been working toward this partnership for years. 

Both the NCTC Bowie and Graham campuses already have a long history of students finishing their associate degrees at the NCTC Bowie campus and transferring to MSU. 

“A partnership with NCTC has been desired for years. The vision of Presidents Shipley and Wallace align with the State of Texas's desire to create affordable baccalaureate degrees easily accessible to citizens desiring this option,” said Lamb. “This shared vision, both institutions' shared past, and the needs of the State of Texas make this an ideal time to launch a significant and meaningful partnership.” 

MSU President Suzanne Shipley has been aggressively pursuing a way to reach more students in the North Fort Worth area. “We look forward to providing new options for students completing degrees at NCTC. Together Midwestern State and NCTC can position students for professional success with a generous array of fields to study,” said Shipley. “The dynamic nature of the Dallas/Fort Worth environment demands employees with high quality, competitive and marketable skills. Midwestern State will partner with NCTC to provide those skills in an affordable and convenient format.” 

“Historically and culturally we are a good fit as partners,” said Klement. “This vision from Dr. Shipley really came at the perfect time for NCTC.” MSU and NCTC have more in common than their dedication to students. Randolph Lee Clark actually founded both schools in the early 1920s. 

In 1922, Clark founded Wichita Falls Junior College, which would eventually grow and evolve into the senior college it is now, MSU. Just two years later in 1924 Clark moved to the Gainesville area and founded Gainesville Junior College, which would become NCTC and cover four counties with five campuses. 

“We are very excited to partner with MSU in this way,” said NCTC President Brent Wallace. “This is a great opportunity for both institutions and for the students.” 

Though not finalized, MSU is looking at a 30,000-square-foot shared facility near NCTC's Flower Mound campus. Both NCTC and MSU students will have access to this facility. The schools hope to begin offering selected classes by August 2017.