WINSTED, CT – October 10, 2019 – The Ancell School of Business (ASB) at Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) will begin offering classes leading to the Bachelors of Business Administration degree, on the campus of Northwestern Connecticut Community College, starting in fall 2020.  This initiative will afford WCSU Business students who reside in Northwestern’s catchment area an opportunity to attend their classes at NCCC without having to commute to Danbury.  Upper-level business courses through WCSU will be offered on ground in addition to online and hybrid format.

This development is great news for students who reside in the northwest corner.  It is the first time since the University of Connecticut shuttered its Torrington campus that students will have an opportunity to attend baccalaureate classes in the region.

Dr. Missy Alexander, Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs at Western Connecticut State University affirmed, “Western Connecticut State University is excited to partner with Northwestern Connecticut Community College in this important degree completion opportunity for students seeking to advance their knowledge in business management.  We see many other opportunities for collaboration with NWCC, which will benefit the residents of Connecticut in cost-effective and forward-thinking ways.”

The Ancell School of Business, which offers undergraduate Business programs in Accounting, Cybersecurity, Finance, Justice & Law Administration, Management, Management Information Systems and Marketing, proclaims in its Vision Statement that it “Will be recognized as a leading provider of undergraduate and graduate business education in Western Connecticut and the broader service region.”  This expansion into Northwest Connecticut is a profound manifestation of the Business School’s Vision.

Dr. Dave Ferreira, NCCC’s Dean of Academic and Student Affairs, has worked with President Rooke, WCSU President Dr. John Clark and Dr. Missy Alexander, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, to obtain this option for area students. “We are proud to work with WCSU to benefit the residents of Northwestern Connecticut.  Many jobs depend on the candidate having a bachelor’s degree; this will mean a lot for the community and the economy,” Dr. Ferreira said.

Students who have received their associate’s degree will have the option to take higher level classes taught by WCSU faculty here on campus in the Joyner Health Science Center. Students would be eligible to earn a bachelor of business administration degree from WCSU once they have finished the required coursework through the prescribed combination of on-ground classes at NCCC and online classes at WCSU.

We are very happy to host Western faculty on campus and provide the structure allowing our graduates the opportunity to stay on a path of higher education,” said NCCC President Dr. Michael Rooke. “This partnership with the university is exciting news for this area.”

The agreement between NCCC and WCSU will be signed on October 21, 2019, and beginning in Fall 2020, the program will start accepting students.

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