Southwestern College is one of the top 20 institutions in the nation when it comes to providing voluntary educational services to Air Force personnel, according to figures released at the annual Council of College and Military Educators (CCME) symposium in January.

During fiscal year 2008, Professional Studies’ participation in primarily the AU-ABC (Air University – Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative) program prompted 967 airmen to enroll in 3,956 courses.

This is the first year SC has broken into the top 20 providers, jumping to 14th among all institutions. Top three were American Military University, University of Maryland University College, and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

“This is the culmination of several years of commitment by Southwestern College to serve military learners and we were thrilled to have our work with the Air Force recognized in this way,” says Karen Pedersen, vice president for professional studies.  “In addition to serving their country these heroes often balance their educational pursuits with family obligations and community activities.  We appreciate the opportunity to work actively with the men and women of the Air Force as they realize their educational goals.”

Southwestern entered the AU-ABC program in 2007. AU-ABC is an initiative between the Air Force and civilian higher education institutions to offer baccalaureate degree opportunities to every Air Force enlisted member who has earned a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) associate degree. The program directs airmen with associate in applied science degrees to a collection of accredited “military friendly” colleges and universities to consider when completing a four-year degree.