British Parliament delegation visits Bucks County

Bucks County Community College hosted a delegation of international guests last Wednesday in Newtown Township to celebrate a new, international transfer agreement recently finalized with Wrexham University in Wales, Great Britain.

The agreement creates the community college’s first international transfer opportunity and allows graduates of the business administration program to complete a bachelor’s degree at Wrexham in just one year abroad. 

Students will also have the option to pursue an accelerated Master of Business Administration in one additional year.

The special guests included six members of the British Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee, including Andrew Ranger, the Member of Parliament for Wrexham. Representatives from the British Consulate-General New York and staff from the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia were also in attendance, alongside state and local elected officials, Bucks County government officials, and community college leadership and students.

Bucks County Community College President and CEO Dr. Patrick M. Jones welcomed members of the British Parliament and other dignitaries to the Newtown Campus Nov. 19. Credit: Eric Parker/Bucks County Community College

Andrew Ranger, Member of Parliament – Wrexham (left), and Ruth Jones, Member of Parliament – Newport West and Islwyn, presented Bucks County Community College President & CEO Dr. Patrick Jones with a special gift. Credit: Eric Parker/Bucks County Community College

Mel Lawrance, U.K. deputy consul general to New York, pointed to the significance of the partnership.

“We’re delighted by the launch of this new international transfer agreement between Wales’s Wrexham University and Pennsylvania’s Bucks County Community College, which provides flexibility for business students and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in Wales,” Lawrance said. “The deep ties between the U.K. and Pennsylvania in education, research and cultural exchange continue to empower young people and future leaders on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Attending remotely from Wales was Professor Joe Yates, vice-chancellor and CEO of Wrexham University. His campus overlooks the stadium of the city’s famous soccer club, Wrexham AFC, featured in the “Welcome to Wrexham” documentary series.

Yates said the collaboration reflects a shared dedication to core values.

“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and civic engagement — values at the heart of Wrexham University’s vision to become a world-leading modern civic university by 2030,” Yates said.

He added that strengthening ties between Wrexham and the Philadelphia region helps to “build bridges that enrich learning, research, and cultural exchange, creating opportunities for students and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Bucks County Community College President and CEO Patrick Jones framed the agreement as a reflection of the college’s mission to serve its students.

“At Bucks, we are in the business of changing lives and helping students become actively engaged citizens,” Jones said.

He said the partnership will allow community college students to “broaden their horizons and immerse themselves in another culture and educational community.”

“Completing one’s baccalaureate studies at Wrexham will not just be another transfer opportunity — it will be a life-changing experience,” Jones said.

For more information, visit bucks.edu/wrexham.