(North Canton, OH – Aug. 6, 2020) – In a continued effort to provide access to higher education for the citizens of Stark County, Malone University and Stark State College have formed a new institutional articulation agreement to ease the transfer process and promote the closer coordination of academic courses, programs, and degrees offered by both institutions.

This agreement, for a 4-year social work program with a 2+2 format and 3+1 format for both accounting and business, stems from a shared desire to strengthen the social fabric of and fuel the economic engine for Stark County while readying graduates for leadership in their profession and community.

“While Stark State and Malone have different missions, we share common core values which provide fertile ground for this agreement,” said David King, president of Malone. “Now more than ever before, we believe it is critical on the part of both institutions to provide student support that will encourage vibrant young graduates to choose Stark County as home after graduation. In leveraging the strengths of Malone and Stark State and constantly evaluating market demands, we can work together to provide momentum for the next generation of Canton-area professionals.”

“We are delighted to expand our partnership with Malone University to provide valuable opportunities for current and future students to complete four-year degrees in accounting, business, and social work,” said Para M. Jones, president of Stark State College. “By offering students both 2+2 and 3+1 options, Malone and Stark State are giving students high-quality education at an affordable cost. This benefits students, employers, and the community.”

The agreement enhances both institutions’ abilities to equip new groups of students to complete two- and four-year degrees within Stark County rather than look outside the region to meet their educational needs.

“In our current academic climate, institutions of higher learning must continue to identify ways to partner together to establish new models for delivering our educational outcomes and serve the region,” said Greg Miller, provost of Malone. “This is not the first agreement between Malone and Stark State, but a new version that adapts to current student needs and market needs. We couldn’t be more excited to welcome students who complete their associate degrees at Stark State as they transition to Malone to complete a bachelor’s degree.”

The newest iteration of the agreement opens pathways to students who are interested in social work, accounting, and business.

“These new, seamless avenues to a bachelor’s degree are an ideal response to the needs of local businesses for trained professionals and the needs of area students for solid careers in our community,” said Lada Gibson-Shreve, Stark State’s provost and chief academic officer. “We are privileged to work with Malone to help build the future for our students and Stark County for generations to come.”