Blackburn College and Lewis and Clark Community College Establish New Transfer Pathways

The agreement creates a pathway for Lewis and Clark students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Blackburn College.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Blackburn College and Lewis and Clark Community College have signed the first in a series of articulation agreements, expanding access to affordable, high-quality bachelor's degrees through clear transfer pathways. The agreement creates a pathway for Lewis and Clark students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Blackburn College, with additional agreements to include Art, Biology, Business, and Accounting.

Why it matters

The partnership is designed to give Lewis and Clark students a clear, affordable path to completing their bachelor's degree close to home, removing barriers, reducing both the cost and time to a degree, and giving students clarity and confidence as they move forward.

The details

Under the agreement, students begin their studies at Lewis and Clark and transition to Blackburn with junior standing, following clearly defined degree plans that support on-time graduation and help prevent credit loss. Blackburn advisors will regularly meet with Lewis and Clark students to provide early academic guidance, clarify transfer expectations, and ensure a successful transition to a four-year institution.

  • The agreement was signed during a ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at Lewis and Clark Community College's Godfrey campus.

The players

Blackburn College

A four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, Illinois. One of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only Work Program in the nation managed by students.

Lewis and Clark Community College

A two-year higher education institution with multiple campuses, a river research center, a training center, and Community Education Centers located throughout its more than 220,000-person college district, which reaches into parts of seven counties.

Larry K. Lee

Blackburn College President.

Susan Czerwinski

Lewis and Clark Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Dr. Ken Trzaska

Lewis and Clark President.

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What they’re saying

“This articulation agreement reflects a renewed and expanded relationship grounded in our regional connection and a shared commitment to access and opportunity. It establishes a clear, reliable pathway for Lewis and Clark students to earn a Blackburn bachelor's degree.”

— Larry K. Lee, Blackburn College President (riverbender.com)

“Agreements like this one demonstrate Lewis and Clark's commitment to serving our students' best interests – in this case, creating smooth pathways with local four-year institutions make it easier for students to reach their educational and career goals. We look forward to furthering this partnership and continuing to expand opportunities for our Trailblazers.”

— Dr. Ken Trzaska, Lewis and Clark President (riverbender.com)

What’s next

Additional agreements will include Art, Biology, Business, and Accounting. Courses will transfer directly into Blackburn degree programs, supported by coordinated advising and four-year completion plans.

The takeaway

This partnership strengthens the educational opportunities and career pathways for students in the region, providing a clear, affordable path to earning a bachelor's degree close to home and gaining valuable real-world experience through Blackburn's distinctive Work Program.