WATERTOWN, S.D. (KWAT) — A new educational partnership was announced today at a signing ceremony at Lake Area Technical Institute (LATI). LATI is partnering with Western Governors University (WGU) in an agreement that will allow LATI graduates who’ve obtained their associates degree, and are interested in obtaining a bachelor’s degree, to seamlessly transfer their credits to WGU.

On hand for Thursday’s signing ceremony was WGU’s Midwest Region Vice President Dr. Angie Besendorfer. She says this marriage with LATI is a good fit.

It didn’t hurt that LATI is a former Aspen Prize winner, as the top two year college in the country.

Besendorfer says Western Governors University is an online-only school, where students go at their own pace.

Brianne Wipf is an LATI graduate who’s now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Business Management at Western Governors. She sees this partnership as a great opportunity for students.

LATI President Mike Cartney says it’s all about students having another option to improve their marketability.

WGU was established in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors, including then South Dakota Governor Bill Janklow.