ROANOKE– Two institutions surrounded by mountains are separated by thousands of miles — but business students can gain a bachelor’s degree in four years through studies at both, without a transcontinental move.
The University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) will accept students from Virginia Western Community College who have received an Associate of Science in Business Administration into the UAS Bachelor of Business Administration program. This is designed as a seamless transfer with no loss of college credit, according to an announcement from the college.
Making college even more possible, a new program called Alaska Unlocked will begin in fall 2026, allowing all undergraduate students to pay in-state tuition, no matter where they live.
The key thread tying these schools together is the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), through which both programs are accredited. ACBSP accreditation can significantly impact a business school’s reputation, student experience and graduate outcomes.
“We’re so excited to partner with the University of Alaska Southeast to give our students even more opportunities to keep moving forward,” said Jeff Strom, associate professor of management and marketing at Virginia Western. “Thanks to Alaska Unlocked, Virginia Western students can continue their business studies online at UAS and pay the in-state tuition rate — making it easier and more affordable to earn an ACBSP-accredited degree. Together, we’re helping future business leaders build the skills, confidence and global perspective they need to succeed anywhere.”
The agreement gives Virginia Western students a new option for completing a bachelor’s degree fully online. Meanwhile, UAS gains students from an ACBSP-accredited program. University of Alaska Southeast programs eligible through the agreement are the Bachelor of Business Administration degree with emphasis areas in accounting, human resource management, management, and management information systems.
“This articulation agreement creates a clear and welcoming path forward for these two programs. By connecting them through intentional partnerships, we make the transfer process simple, reduce barriers and open new doors for students to continue their journey with us — growing enrollment while supporting every learner’s success,” said Kristy Smith, associate professor of management at UAS and chair of the Department of Business and Public Administration.
How did such a long-distance partnership form? Professors Strom and Smith sat on the ACBSP Board of Directors from 2023-2024. ACBSP is the first organization to offer accreditation to all levels of collegiate business educational degree programs, from associate to doctoral. Virginia Western sought opportunities to partner with four-year programs, and UAS was happy to discuss and create the articulation agreement to the benefit of both institutions.
The agreement was signed in August 2024. Meanwhile, the Alaska Unlocked program has developed and will take effect in fall 2026, making it even more financially feasible. Through Alaska Unlocked, UAS guarantees the resident tuition rate for undergraduate courses as long as students remain continuously enrolled.
While students transferring to UAS can remain in Virginia, UAS offers distinctive experiences to complement the education they received at Virginia Western. UAS has an Alaska Native Knowledge Graduation Requirement that will present a unique opportunity for Virginia Western graduates to learn more about Northwest Coast art, an Alaska Native language, or an Alaska Native Studies topic.
Those interested in the Virginia Western Associate of Science in Business Administration program can contact the Virginia Western Enrollment Center by visiting Chapman Hall, emailing enroll@virginiawestern.edu, or calling (855) 874-8890 for more information.
Students who are interested in transferring to the University of Alaska Southeast program can contact UAS Admissions by emailing uas.admissions@alaska.edu or calling (907) 796-6100 / Toll Free: (877) 465-4827.
-The Salem Times-Register
