A ribbon cutting ceremony at Blackhawk Technical College Wednesday afternoon unveiled the school’s new University Center.

President Tracy Pierner says they’re joining forces with UW-Whitewater at Rock County, Lakeland University, and Concordia University to provide students with access to a range of bachelor’s degree programs from the universities without needing to physically relocate.

Pierner says they hope the addition will help address Rock and Green County’s issues in bachelor degree obtainment, as the counties are about 5% behind the national average.

Pierner says the programs will speed up graduation times at less expensive cost and get students into the workforce at a much quicker rate.