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Featured Photo: UNC Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Sharon L. Gaber (left) and Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood (right) shake hands after signing the 49erNext transfer agreement on April 21, 2025.
Marketing & Communications Dept.
Graduates of Blue Ridge Community College now have a new opportunity to pursue a high-quality four-year degree, thanks to a new partnership with the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte).
Signed on April 21 by UNC Charlotte Chancellor Dr. Sharon L. Gaber and Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood, the ‘49erNext’ co-admissions initiative streamlines the transfer process, ensuring that earned credits at Blue Ridge seamlessly apply toward a bachelor’s degree at UNC Charlotte. The partnership provides students with options and flexibility as they begin their learning closer to home, later transferring credits earned to the respected university.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Blue Ridge Community College in offering the 49erNext program,” said UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber. “It’s about more than guaranteed admission; it’s a comprehensive and student-centric support system designed to address the very challenges that often derail transfer students.”
The collaboration gives Blue Ridge students an excellent option for continuing their education after earning an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, Associate in Engineering, Associate in Fine Arts, Associate in Arts – Teacher Prep or Associate in Science – Teacher Prep at Blue Ridge. These two-year degrees will fully transfer into one or more of UNC Charlotte’s four-year degrees, and all general education requirements will be fulfilled.
“Blue Ridge Community College is proud to partner with UNC Charlotte to expand learning opportunities for our students,” said Blue Ridge President Dr. Laura B. Leatherwood. “This agreement reflects our shared commitment to student success and opens the door for Blue Ridge graduates to continue their education at one of North Carolina’s premier universities. It also provides a clear, streamlined pathway to a bachelor’s degree, along with enhanced advising and support to help our students succeed every step of the way.”
The new agreement between Blue Ridge Community College and UNC Charlotte upholds the three fundamental commitments of the 49erNext program: to put students first, to foster success, and to create opportunity. Under this partnership, Blue Ridge graduates will transfer to UNC Charlotte as juniors, saving on tuition costs and enjoying a smoother transition to university life. The program includes coordinated financial aid, personalized academic advising, and early access to UNC Charlotte’s resources, all designed to support academic success and career readiness.
Both institutions have committed to implementing integrated strategies aimed at improving college completion rates and narrowing degree attainment gaps. The agreement also features a proactive advising plan supported by both schools, along with clear transfer guides to help students navigate and fulfill their academic and career goals while completing their associate degree.
To learn more about 49erNext, including eligibility requirements, contact Elizabeth Pack at e.pack@blueridge.edu. To learn more about enrolling at Blue Ridge Community College, visit www.blueridge.edu/admissions.
