La Verne Signs Partnership to Offer Business Administration Degree at Mt. SAC

Presidents from the University of La Verne and Mount San Antonio Community College signed an agreement Tuesday that brings a Bachelor of Arts degree to Mt. SAC, making it the 6th community college La Verne has partnered with for a degree program.

University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman, a Mt. SAC alumna, called the partnership an exciting development for both institutions.

“It is important that we continually seek opportunities to increase access to both private and public higher education. Collaborating with a community college, located fewer than 10 miles from the University of La Verne, serves this goal,” said University of La Verne President Devorah Lieberman. “As a former Mt. SAC student myself, I have fond memories of early college years there. I am enthusiastic about our burgeoning partnership.”

Through the agreement, La Verne faculty will teach courses required for a BA in business administration at the Walnut campus. Most students will need to complete 44 units to obtain the degree, said Dr. Ibrahim “Abe” Helou, Dean of the College of Business and Public Management.

“The agreement is an example of how community colleges and 4-year universities can cooperate to benefit students and the community,” Helou said. “It creates a seamless transition from a 2-year college to a bachelor program for the adult student, without the hassle of moving to a new campus or environment.”

Dr. Homa Shabahang, Vice President of Strategic Enrollment Management and Communications called the agreement beneficial for students in the region wanting to access private education.

“It is a national goal to increase baccalaureate-level studies for students attending community colleges and this is a major step toward achieving that goal,” she said.

Courses will be offered once there are enough students to start a cohort at Mt. SAC.

The University plans to rent classrooms at the community college and use its computer lab when available for the classes. La Verne staff have agreed to visit Mt. SAC to collaborate with the community college staff, and to help students select courses that transfer to La Verne.

Mt. SAC President and CEO Bill Scroggins said the partnership is necessary to maintain the state’s economic productivity through the next decade.

“The high standards and support levels of both La Verne and Mt. SAC will assure that these students are well qualified to enter the workforce and be productive both for their families and for California,” Scroggins said.