John Wood Community College (JWCC) announced the opening of its new University Transfer Center, designed to assist students with transfer and scholarship planning as they transition to four-year academic institutions. The center, located in the College’s library, underscores JWCC’s commitment to ensuring students’ credits transfer seamlessly and count toward their chosen academic major, leading to efficient degree completion and reduced student debt.
JWCC has a longstanding tradition of welcoming representatives from four-year universities to campus for a range of meetings, events, and fairs aimed at supporting students in their pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The newly established University Transfer Center represents a significant enhancement, providing students with increased access and more personalized planning sessions with advisors from these institutions.
Approximately 75 percent of current JWCC students intend transfer to four-year institutions regionally and nationally. The most recent JWCC transfer report highlights Quincy University, Western Illinois University, Culver-Stockton College, Illinois State University, University of Missouri Columbia, University of Illinois at Urbana, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as top transfer destinations for JWCC graduates.
“We are dedicated to supporting our students as they take the next step in their academic journey,” said Dr. Bryan Renfro, President of JWCC. “Our new University Transfer Center will provide personalized guidance to help students navigate the transfer process smoothly and successfully.”
In addition, university partners will have regular sessions at the center to improve students’ access to information about transfer requirements, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities. JWCC students’ credits transfer across the country, even though many students attend regional schools. The college is continuously working on 2+2 articulation agreements as academic requirements change at partner schools.
JWCC is actively participating in the national Guided Pathways movement led by the American Association of Community Colleges. This initiative aims to help students choose a career pathway within their first semester of college. By offering streamlined courses and relevant experiences, JWCC supports students in completing their degrees more efficiently.
Dr. Renfro emphasized, “The goal of a college education is to identify a rewarding career and prepare for it with excellent instruction and related experiences, all while minimizing debt. At JWCC, we prioritize student success and provide the necessary resources and support for our students to achieve their hopes and dreams. We believe that our new University Transfer Center and guided pathways process will further empower our students to succeed.”
For more information about JWCC’s University Transfer Center and academic programs, please visit or contact Andrew Happekotte, JWCC director of advising and retention, at ahappekotte@jwcc.edu or 217.641.4346.
