Special to IFN
Mitchell Community College and Gardner-Webb University on Tuesday announced two landmark partnership agreements designed to streamline the transfer process and provide high-level educational opportunities for students in Iredell County and the surrounding regions.
These agreements, signed in late December 2025, establish the “Bulldog Bound” direct-entry admission program and a comprehensive “Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing” pathway.
“At Mitchell Community College, our mission is to provide equitable access to affordable, high-quality learning experiences that lead to social and economic mobility for our students,” Mitchell President Tim Brewer said. “These new partnerships with Gardner-Webb University exemplify that commitment by creating clear, seamless pathways for our students to achieve their highest academic and professional goals. By establishing the Bulldog Bound direct-entry program and the nursing bridge to advanced degrees, we are providing the necessary resources for our learners to thrive, while ultimately empowering our students’ futures and the communities we serve.”
Bulldog Bound: A Direct-Entry Admission Program
The Bulldog Bound program provides a direct-entry pathway for currently enrolled Mitchell students who intend to transfer to Gardner-Webb after completing their associate degree. This co-admission initiative is open to students pursuing an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Arts in Teacher Preparation (AATP), Associate of Fine Arts (AFA), or Associate in Applied Science (AAS).
Key benefits of the program include:
• Guaranteed Admission: Participating students who meet GPA and graduation requirements are guaranteed admission to Gardner-Webb.
• Early Access: Students receive information regarding financial aid, registration, and orientation early in the transition process.
• No Application Fees: There is no fee to participate in the Bulldog Bound program.
• Reverse Transfer: A process is in place for students who matriculate to Gardner-Webb prior to completing their associate degree, allowing them to finish that credential while at the university.
Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing
Recognizing the critical need for advanced healthcare professionals, the Bridge to Professional Advancement in Nursing agreement provides a seamless ADN-to-DNP (Associate Degree in Nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice) pathway. Students accepted into Mitchell’s ADN program are dually accepted into the Hunt School of Nursing at Gardner-Webb.
This pathway allows nursing students to progress from their initial associate degree directly through to master’s and doctoral-level programs, including:
• Davis RN-to-BSN
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with concentrations in Education, Administration, or a Dual MSN/MBA
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) for Family Nurse Practitioners or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Nursing students in this bridge program also benefit from waived application fees and a coordinated advising process between both institutions.
Gardner-Webb President Nate Evans said the university was proud to partner with Mitchell.
“These agreements remove barriers, streamline transfer, and create high-impact opportunities, especially in the critical area of nursing and healthcare leadership. Together, we are investing in students and strengthening the future workforce of our region,” he said.