Delaware Valley University and Longwood Gardens Sign Transfer Agreement
Credit: Delaware Valley University. Representatives from Delaware Valley University and Longwood Gardens sign an articulation agreement. From left: Longwood Gardens Director of Domestic and International Studies Dr. Brian Trader, Longwood Gardens Vice President of Education Sarah Cathcart, DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo, DelVal Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Benjamin Rusiloski, and DelVal Vice President for Enrollment Management Art Goon.
Delaware Valley University and Longwood Gardens signed an agreement on Wednesday, Jan. 31, that will provide a new pathway to a bachelor’s degree for high-achieving horticulture students. Under the agreement, students who graduate from the highly selective Professional Gardener Program offered by Longwood Gardens will be guaranteed admission into DelVal’s horticulture program, will be able to transfer credits toward a DelVal bachelor’s degree in horticulture, and will be eligible for generous transfer scholarships.
“The University is pleased to partner with Longwood Gardens in this collaborative effort to give high-achieving horticulture students a new pathway to a bachelor’s degree in horticulture,” said DelVal President Dr. Maria Gallo. “We look forward to welcoming students from the Professional Gardener Program to our campus.”
The Professional Gardener Program is a two-year program offered to students by Longwood Gardens at no cost. The program accepts eight to 10 high school graduates who have at least one year of paid work experience in horticulture. Students prepare for employment as professional horticulturalists in public, private and commercial horticulture.
“We are delighted to partner with Delaware Valley University in this important initiative that offers graduates of our esteemed Professional Gardener Program an exciting opportunity to continue their horticultural education,” said Sarah Cathcart, vice president, education at Longwood Gardens. “Both programs value hands-on, real-world learning coupled with rigorous coursework, ensuring students are well prepared for successful and rewarding careers.”
Graduates of the Professional Gardener Program will receive up to 55 credits toward a DelVal bachelor’s degree.
“Students will also be eligible for scholarships ranging from $15,000 to $21,000 a year if they continue as full-time students, and $1,000 to 1,500 a semester for part-time study,” said Art Goon, DelVal’s vice president for enrollment management.
The University’s horticulture program and the Longwood Gardens Professional Gardener Program both emphasize real-world experience.
“The Professional Gardener Program combines hands-on education and a rigorous academic curriculum,” said Dr. Ben Rusiloski, DelVal’s vice president for academic affairs. “Those elements are consistent with DelVal’s commitment to experiential learning and excellence in our curriculum.”