MVNU, Knox County Career Center partner to expand educational access

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — A new partnership between Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Knox County Career Center will forge a new path to a college degree for nearly 12,000 KCCC alumni, students, faculty and staff.

MVNU and KCCC formalized a Gateway Partnership aimed at expanding access to higher education, strengthening workforce development and creating affordable academic pathways for students, employees and families across the county. The partnership was celebrated during a signing event featuring remarks from MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman, KCCC Superintendent Kathy Greenich and MVNU Special Assistant to the President, Rev. Tavaris Taylor.

Gateway, launched by MVNU in January 2024, was created to provide accessible educational pathways for individuals who may not follow a traditional route to college. The program partners with businesses and nonprofit organizations to offer discounted tuition, comprehensive credit evaluations and customized academic pathways. Individuals may receive academic credit for prior coursework, industry credentials and workforce experience, helping reduce the time and cost required to complete a degree.

“At its core, Gateway is about accessibility and affordability for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue a college education,” Dr. Castleman said. “We focus on affordability, accessibility and workforce training. We want students to gain practical experience through their education and apply what they learn in real-world settings.”

For KCCC, the partnership is a direct recognition of what its students and alumni have already earned. Superintendent Greenich said the agreement creates a bridge between the career center’s workforce preparation and a four-year degree.

“Our students and staff have earned valuable industry credentials and years of workforce experience that can now contribute toward a college degree,” Greenich said. “MVNU’s willingness to recognize that experience and create a bridge from the workforce to higher education is something that has not existed in the past, and we are very excited about it.”

Under the agreement, Gateway benefits extend beyond current students to include KCCC faculty, staff, students’ immediate family members and alumni. Rev. Taylor, who helps lead MVNU’s partnership efforts, said the KCCC collaboration carries particular significance because of its local roots.

“This partnership feels especially meaningful because it’s close to home,” Rev. Taylor said. “This is more than just a good opportunity for MVNU and KCCC. It’s a win for our county, our cities and our local community.”

Dr. Castleman echoed that sentiment, pointing to KCCC’s existing record of preparing students for careers as a strong foundation for the work ahead.

“KCCC already does an outstanding job helping students identify their next steps and prepare for future careers,” he said. “Together, we want to continue strengthening our community by creating opportunities for students and families to thrive locally.”

Greenich said she looks forward to seeing the partnership’s reach grow across the county’s alumni network.

“We appreciate MVNU for being innovative and for creating this opportunity,” she said. “We look forward to seeing the impact it will have on our alumni, staff and district as more individuals pursue higher education and earn degrees.”

For more information about MVNU’s Gateway Partnership, visit mvnu.edu/gateway.