Husson University and Cianbro Sign Agreement to Provide College Credit for Workplace Training

Published on: December 12, 2014

BANGOR, MAINE - Husson University and Cianbro announced today that they have entered into an agreement that creates a smooth process for the transfer of credits from Cianbro corporate training programs toward degrees in Husson University’s College of Business. A signing ceremony, representing the culmination of the agreement process, took place this morning on Husson University’s Bangor, Maine campus. 

The agreement provides Cianbro employees with a side-by-side analysis of how their credits will transfer toward Husson University’s Bachelor of Science in business and professional studies as well as other College of Business degree programs. Employees at Cianbro can bring in credit for professional training in the fields of welding, pipefitting, carpentry, ironworking, electrical, millwright, concrete finishing, instrumentation and line working through transfer credit from community colleges to Husson University. In addition, knowledge gained through professional training, leadership and other learning opportunities can qualify for transfer course credit through Husson’s portfolio assessment process. 

“This agreement will increase Cianbro workers’ access to higher education and provides a seamless transition between on-the-job education and our university,” said Husson University College of Business Dean Marie Hansen, Ph.D. “We are pleased to be collaborating with Cianbro in ways that help develop a larger pool of skilled workers here in Maine. A more knowledgeable workforce benefits our communities, our families and our economy.”

The five courses specifically covered by the portfolio assessment process include: MI 111 Introduction to Microcomputing, BA 310 Organization and Management, AC 121 Principles of Accounting I, BA 311 Human Resource Management and PA 100 Portfolio Assessment.

“By giving our employees the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills, we’re helping to ensure that we have the right people in place for the future," said Dr. Steven M. Pound, associate director of workforce development at the Cianbro Institute. “We’re also helping to make education more cost effective for our employees. These transfer credits will help reduce the overall cost of completing a bachelor’s degree with Husson University.”

“At Cianbro we firmly believe in lifelong learning and we also believe in the spirit of team work,” said Human Resources Vice President Michael Bennett. “Today, Husson University and Cianbro celebrate both principles with the completion of this agreement process. We are very excited to provide this opportunity to our team members and very thankful to be working with Husson University on this initiative. We would especially like to thank Dean Marie Hansen for all of her support and commitment to this effort.”

Thanks to this agreement, Cianbro employees interested in pursuing a four-year business degree will be able to start the process by taking advantage of the high-quality business, technical and management training provided by Cianbro.

Attending the signing ceremony were (in alphabetical order):
• Dr. Marie Hansen, dean, College of Business, Husson University
• Dr. Steven M. Pound, associate director of workforce development, Cianbro Institute.
• Brian Watson, training manager, Cianbro Institute.

Cianbro is dedicated to providing quality construction services safely, on time and at a competitive price. Through innovation, efficiency, and a can-do spirit, Cianbro develops people, satisfies customers and grows shareholder value. Guided by their vision, mission and values, the organization carefully allocates resources in ways that drive sustainable long-term growth and competitive advantage by focusing on key markets, geography, clients and services. For more information, visit www.cianbro.com.

For more than 100 years, Husson University has prepared future leaders to handle the challenges of tomorrow through innovative undergraduate and graduate degrees. With a commitment to delivering affordable classroom, online and experiential learning opportunities, Husson University has come to represent superior value in higher education. The Bangor campus and satellite education centers in Southern Maine, Wells and Northern Maine provide advanced knowledge in business; health and education; pharmacy studies; science and humanities; as well as communication. In addition, Husson University has a robust adult learning program. For more information, visit Husson.edu.