For 20 years, Flagler College and Tallahassee Community College (TCC) have partnered to provide a pathway for students seeking high-quality and affordable post-secondary education. Building upon their traditions of cooperation and excellence, the two institutions are preparing to embark on the next phase of their remarkable partnership. On Jan. 21, the presidents of TCC and Flagler College Tallahassee will publicly sign an agreement aimed at addressing the teacher shortage in Florida. The “2+2 for Education” articulation agreement will be the only public-private partnership in Florida providing a path for a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.
“I am extremely proud of the work that has been done to make this 2+2 articulation agreement a reality,” stated Flagler College President Joseph G. Joyner, Ed.D. Before beginning his career with Flagler College in 2017, Joyner was Superintendent of Schools for the St. Johns County School District in St. Augustine, Fla., a position he held for over 14 years.
Joyner said, “As a former Superintendent, I am keenly aware of the demand for high-quality elementary teachers in our state and look forward to a long partnership with TCC as we prepare Florida’s next generation of educators.”
Graduates of the Flagler College Tallahassee education programs have earned a reputation as well-prepared, effective teachers. More than 900 alumni have pursued a career as educators, many having chosen to remain in the area employed as teachers and school administrators. In the past few years, nearly 60 education graduates having been recognized as Teacher of the Year for the Tallahassee region.
Tallahassee Community College has supported citizens of Leon, Gadsden and Wakulla counties, as well as students throughout the state, the nation, and abroad, with professional training skills and high-quality post-secondary academic education. Serving the Tallahassee area for more than half of a century, TCC is also one of the top-ranked two-year colleges in the country. In addition, TCC is the 13th largest school in the Florida College system, with nearly 13,000 students currently enrolled.
“I’m excited to launch this new program to provide a seamless pathway for our students who wish to pursue a career in teaching,” said Dr. Jim Murdaugh, TCC president. “Between 85% and 90% of Flagler College Tallahassee students get their start at Tallahassee Community College. Flagler’s track record of graduating high-quality teachers speaks for itself.”
After being named President of the campus in 2010, Murdaugh has had a vision that TCC be the college of choice for students.
“We’re grateful to them for partnering with TCC on this important new venture which will help alleviate the need for teachers in our region and our state,” Murdaugh said.
With the “2+2 for Education” articulation agreement, students can earn their Associates of Arts from TCC and walk across the lawn to enroll at Flagler College Tallahassee. Together, the two colleges provide the perfect pathway for students who are serious about teaching and searching for an exceptional, cost-effective college experience.
Flagler College is a small private, independent college located in St. Augustine, Fla. The college offers 34 majors, 41 minors, and a master’s degree in Education of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing. Flagler College has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, as well as an offsite campus in Tallahassee, Fla. U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review regularly feature Flagler as a college that offers quality education at a relatively low cost. A Flagler education is less than half the cost of similar private colleges, and competitive with many state universities. A relatively young institution (founded in 1968), Flagler College is also noted for its historic beauty. The centerpiece of the campus is the former Hotel Ponce de Leon, a National Historic Landmark opened in 1888 by railroad pioneer and Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler. For more on Flagler College, visit www.flagler.edu.
