Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the University of South Alabama (USA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 23 at MGCCC’s Bryant Center in Biloxi.  The MOU will offer early acceptance for MGCCC Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) students to enroll in USA’s registered nurse to Bachelor of Science Nursing degree program. Through the agreement, the two entities can better leverage resources and more efficiently facilitate the progress of students seeking to further their education through the pursuit of undergraduate and graduate nursing degrees.

“This opportunity will allow our Associate Degree Nursing graduates to continue their education in a well-organized and streamlined manner,” said Dr. Mary Graham, MGCCC president.  “We look forward to working with USA on this and other partnerships in the future.”

Dr. John Smith, Interim President for the University of South Alabama, said, “The University of South Alabama has strong ties to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and has enjoyed a collaborative partnership with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. This agreement today is an extension of that partnership and will give students the flexibility of starting their bachelor’s degree in nursing while enrolled at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. There is high demand for nurses along the Coast and across the country, and South is proud to work with Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College to offer educational opportunities in our communities to meet those needs.”

MGCCC’s ADN program was ranked as the No. 1 community college program in the state in 2021, marking the second year in a row the college has received the ranking.  There were 82 ADN and 39 LPN-to-RN graduates in academic year 2020-21.

For more information on MGCCC’s nursing programs, visit mgccc.edu/nursing.