BLACKBURN COLLEGE AND LEWIS AND CLARK COMMUNITY COLLEGE ESTABLISH NEW TRANSFER PATHWAYS TO EARN BACHELOR’S DEGREES

CARLINVILLE, ILL. – Blackburn College and Lewis and Clark Community College have signed the first in a series of articulation agreements, expanding access to affordable, high-quality bachelor’s degrees through clear transfer pathways. The agreement was signed during a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5, at Lewis and Clark Community College’s Godfrey campus.

The signing ceremony featured Blackburn College President Larry K. Lee and Lewis and Clark Vice President of Academic Affairs Susan Czerwinski. It was followed by a transfer enrollment event connecting students and families with Blackburn academic, admissions, and athletics representatives. The agreement creates a pathway for Lewis and Clark students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Blackburn College. Additional agreements will include Art, Biology, Business, and Accounting. Courses will transfer directly into Blackburn degree programs, supported by coordinated advising and four-year completion plans.

Under the agreement, students begin their studies at Lewis and Clark and transition to Blackburn with junior standing, following clearly defined degree plans that support on-time graduation and help prevent credit loss. Blackburn advisors will regularly meet with Lewis and Clark students to provide early academic guidance, clarify transfer expectations, and ensure a successful transition to a four-year institution.

The partnership is designed to give Lewis and Clark students a clear, affordable path to completing their bachelor’s degree close to home.

“This articulation agreement reflects a renewed and expanded relationship grounded in our regional connection and a shared commitment to access and opportunity. It establishes a clear, reliable pathway for Lewis and Clark students to earn a Blackburn bachelor’s degree,” said Blackburn College President Larry K. Lee. “Articulation agreements matter because they remove barriers, reduce both the cost and time to a degree, and give students clarity and confidence as they move forward. Most importantly, this partnership strengthens our students, our workforce, and our communities.”

“Agreements like this one demonstrate Lewis and Clark’s commitment to serving our students’ best interests – in this case, creating smooth pathways with local four-year institutions make it easier for students to reach their educational and career goals. We look forward to furthering this partnership and continuing to expand opportunities for our Trailblazers,” said Lewis and Clark President Dr. Ken Trzaska.

Blackburn’s Distinctive Model and Outcomes

Blackburn is one of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges in the nation, and the only one with a student-managed Work Program. Through its nationally distinctive Work Program, students work 10 hours per week in professional campus roles, gaining real-world leadership and transferable skills in communication, teamwork, and accountability while earning $8,000 each year to reduce educational costs.

Combined with personalized financial aid and small class sizes, Blackburn’s model pairs close faculty mentorship with hands-on learning, helping students graduate with significantly less debt than the national average. With a bachelor’s degree and meaningful professional experience, Blackburn’s graduates hold an advantage valued by employers and graduate schools alike.

Blackburn’s outcomes are reflected in national rankings. Washington Monthly recently ranked Blackburn as the top bachelor’s college in Illinois and #19 nationally overall. The publication also ranked Blackburn #2 in Illinois at preparing students for doctoral programs, reflecting its academic rigor, faculty mentorship, and graduate school placement.

From an academic perspective, the agreement reflects a shared commitment to curricular alignment and student success.

“Students will know exactly how their coursework transfers, how their degree progresses, and how to complete a bachelor’s degree on time,” said Dr. Laura Wiedlocher, provost of Blackburn College. “With coordinated advising and clearly mapped pathways, we are ensuring that students can focus on learning, growth, and preparation for what comes next—whether that is graduate study or a professional career.”

“We’re excited about what this agreement makes possible for our students today, and we’re already looking ahead to developing even more pathways that expand their choices and open new opportunities,” said Lewis and Clark Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Sue Czerwinski.

About Blackburn College

Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois. One of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only Work Program in the nation managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. Washington Monthly named Blackburn College the Top Bachelor's College in Illinois and 20th in the nation for 2025, highlighting the College’s success in alumni earnings performance, student preparation for Ph.D. programs, and leadership in access for low-income students. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Blackburn College as one of the best colleges in the Midwest for 2026 and named it a top 10 performer in social mobility.

About Lewis and Clark Community College

Lewis and Clark Community College is a two-year higher education institution with multiple campuses, a river research center, a training center, and Community Education Centers located throughout its more than 220,000-person college district, which reaches into parts of seven counties.

In addition to offering associate degrees and certificates in nearly 40 career programs and numerous transfer options, the college has something for just about everyone – including College for Kids, a nationally accredited dual credit program for high school students, high school diploma (formerly GED®) completion and a robust Workforce Education and Safety Solutions and Training program. Learn more at www.lc.edu/discover.