ELIZABETH CITY — College of The Albemarle (COA) and Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) recently renewed their long-standing partnership through an updated articulation agreement, strengthening transfer opportunities for COA students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

The agreement, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed Sept. 8, 2025, allows COA students to seamlessly transfer eligible coursework into MACU’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration program.

Students earning a grade of “C” or higher in identified courses will receive direct transfer credit toward the degree.

“Our partnership with MACU has provided students with incredible opportunities to take the
next step in their educational and professional journey,” said Dr. Jack Bagwell, COA President.
“By renewing this articulation agreement, we continue to open doors for our students and ensure they have clear, supportive pathways to pursue their bachelor’s degree and achieve their goals right here in our community.”

“MACU’s partnership with COA reflects the heart of what we do—preparing students for meaningful careers and purposeful lives,” said John Maurice, MACU President. “By renewing this agreement, we’re reinforcing a valuable pathway for COA students to seamlessly transfer their credits and complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration right here in Elizabeth City. This collaboration not only supports educational access and affordability but also empowers students to stay rooted in their community while advancing their academic and professional goals.”

The articulation agreement will remain in effect for three years, with both
institutions committed to reviewing and renewing the partnership.

COA to Host US Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus

ELIZABETH CITY – The College of The Albemarle Performing Arts Center will host the US Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus in concert on October 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

The concert is free and open to the public. Registration is recommended and can be completed online at www.albemarle.edu/pac or by calling the COA Box Office at 252-335-9050. The lobby opens at 6 p.m., the auditorium opens at 6:30 p.m., and the concert begins at 7 p.m. Concessions will be available for purchase in the lobby. 

The Concert Band and Soldiers’ Chorus, founded in 1946 and 1957, respectively, are the oldest and largest performing ensembles of the U.S. Army Field Band. Together, they have performed across all 50 states and in more than 30 countries for audiences totaling hundreds of millions.

For ticket or event information, please contact Karah Young, COA Performing Arts Center Manager, at 252-335-0821 ext. 2358 or via email at karah_young49@albemarle.edu.

MACU Faculty Present Work in Slovakia

ELIZABETH CITY — Mid-Atlantic Christian University (MACU) celebrates a historic milestone as two of its esteemed faculty members represented the university on the international stage during the week of September 21. Their participation underscored MACU’s expanding global presence in both academic collaboration and archaeological research.

On September 23, Patrik Skultety, director of Online Education and Associate Professor of
Management at MACU, was honored at the opening academic convocation of the University of
Prešov in Slovakia. The ceremony, which included the attendance of the Slovak Prime Minister,
recognized Dr. Skultety for his outstanding contributions to the internationalization of education at the University of Prešov.

“Skultety’s active participation in faculty training and his engagement in the International
Audit project have been invaluable,” said Maria Kardis, vice-rector for International
Relations and External Affairs at the University of Prešov. “Moreover, his lectures and expertise in online education tools, learning management systems, and artificial intelligence integrations have significantly enriched our academic community.”

As part of the ceremony, Skultety formally represented MACU by signing a Memorandum of
Understanding on Academic and Research Cooperation between Mid-Atlantic Christian
University and the University of Prešov. This agreement paves the way for a vibrant international partnership.

Simultaneously, on September 25, Robert Smith, distinguished professor of history at MACU, presented at the Sixteenth International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan, held in Athens, Greece, and hosted by the National and Kapodistrian University.

Smith’s presentation, titled “Shared Christian and Muslim Use of the Abila Pilgrimage Complex during the Umayyad Caliphate,” drew from his nearly four decades of excavation and archaeological research at Abila, Jordan.

Together, these international contributions mark a historic moment for Mid-Atlantic Christian University the first time a MACU professor has been formally honored by a foreign university with dignitaries in attendance while also reaffirming MACU’s deep commitment to academic excellence and global engagement.

October Preschool Story Time Themes

COLUMBIA – Tyrrell County Library invites families with preschool-aged children to join two upcoming Preschool Story Time sessions with Mrs. Helen, designed to foster early literacy through stories, songs, and interactive fun.

• Tuesday, October 7 at 10:30 a.m.: Theme: Owls. Children will enjoy owl-themed stories and activities while developing early reading skills in a playful setting.
• Tuesday, October 21 at 10:30 a.m.: Theme: Halloween. Families are encouraged to bring their little ones in costume for a festive morning of Halloween-themed books, songs, and activities.

These story times are ideal for children ages 3–5 and are part of the library’s commitment to supporting early literacy. Parents and caregivers are also invited to sign up for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program, which encourages a lifelong love of reading by celebrating reading milestones with their child.

The Tyrrell County Library, 414 Main St., Columbia, can be reached at 252-796-3771.

Tyrrell Library Offers Gadget Guidance

COLUBMIA — Tyrrell County Library is pleased to announce its upcoming program, Gadget Guidance: One-on-One Tech Help, designed to assist community members in becoming more confident with their personal devices.

The program will take place on Wednesday, October 8, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tyrrell County Library.

Participants can sign up for a free, 30-minute personalized session with library staff to receive assistance with:

• Adjusting device settings
• Installing and using apps
• Managing email
• Learning basic smartphone, tablet, or laptop functions

Spots are limited, and advance registration is required. Community members may call 252-796-3771 to reserve their session.

The library is located at 414 Main St., Columbia.