The official signing of documents commemorating the new co-location agreement with North Central State College and Franklin University took place Thursday afternoon at the  Kehoe Center for Advanced Learning in Shelby.

The agreement will provide on-site educational opportunities for graduates of NC State's Business Associate Degree programs to pursue their Bachelor's of Business Degree from Franklin University.

"We have an important mission at NCSC. This region in the state of Ohio is one the least educated as far having bachelor's and master degrees. We want to change that amd make it easier for students to get their degrees and advance in the workforce," NCSC president Don Plotts said.

"It's exciting for us because our mission at Franklin University is to provide the highest quality provisional programs to the broadest possible group of potential students," Franklin University president David Decker said.

"The collaboration opens up doors for students in our area and offers multiple opportunities," Shelby mayor Marilyn John said.

Plotts said classes will be taught on-site at the Kehoe Center in Shelby. He said enrollment for classes is underway.

For more information visit www.ncstatecollege.edu or www.franklin.edu/north-central or call 1-877-341-6300.