BHC got me here: alumni transfer near and far

We do transfer right! Black Hawk College transfer graduates earn their bachelor’s degrees at a variety of colleges, ranging from those close by to universities throughout the Midwest and beyond. Read on for three graduates’ transfer stories. Learn more about our transfer programs.


Dylan Freeman

Degree earned at Black Hawk College: Associate in Arts

Graduation year: December of 2017

Hometown: Fairview, Illinois

Where did you transfer to? Western Illinois University-Quad Cities, Moline

What are you majoring in at your current college/university? Business administration with supply chain management minor

How did Black Hawk College prepare you for a four-year school? Black Hawk College gave me a great transition from high school to college by offering a quality and affordable education that also had a great student-to-faculty ratio. Coming from a small school to Black Hawk College was very refreshing in the sense that my professors always had time to meet and discuss material outside of class whenever I needed it, and I found the college staff to be very helpful throughout my entire time at Black Hawk College, from enrolling to when I needed to get things in line to transfer to a four-year university.

What did you enjoy about Black Hawk College or your time here? I enjoyed the environment that Black Hawk College offered to the students. The individuals that chose to just come to class and leave were able to do so as they pleased, but the students that wanted to get engaged in the overall college experience were also afforded that opportunity. The campus offers several extra-curricular activities through student organizations and other clubs that allow students to become immersed in the college experience and make connections with their peers. I served in the Student Government Association and was not only able to enjoy my time with the initiatives we accomplished, but I was also able to learn valuable leadership skills that I shall take into my career and the rest of my life in general. I think it is also important to mention Black Hawk College’s incredible tutoring and testing centers that give students every opportunity possible that they need to succeed.

What are you planning on doing when you graduate? After I graduate from Western Illinois University, I plan to continue my career at John Deere by transferring from a part-time student position to a full-time salaried position. My current goal is to enter the supply management program offered by Deere and later pursue an MBA.


Grayson Cottrell

Degree earned at Black Hawk College: Associate in Science

Graduation year: 2018

Hometown: Fairbury, Illinois

Grayson Cottrell standing in front of Oklahoma State University building, holding sign that says "BHC got me here"Where did you transfer to? Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

What are you majoring in at your current college/university? Animal science with a minor in agriculture business and economics

How did Black Hawk College prepare you for a four-year school? Black Hawk College prepared me to go to a four-year school by showing me all the opportunities available for school. I would not have even visited OSU if it weren’t for professors at Black Hawk College East Campus pushing me to go outside my comfort zone. I felt confident in my ability to succeed at a four-year school because of the classes I had taken at Black Hawk College.

What did you enjoy about Black Hawk College or your time here? My favorite part of Black Hawk College was the family atmosphere. Being at a large university now I really appreciate the time I spent at Black Hawk College East Campus where all my professors knew my name and went above and beyond to help me succeed.

What are you planning on doing when you graduate? When I graduate I plan to go into livestock or equine feed sales.


Evan Kotter

Degree earned at Black Hawk College: Associate in Arts

Graduation year: 2018Evan Kotter at University of Wisconsin holding sign that says "BHC got me here"

Hometown: Clintonville, Wisconsin

Where did you transfer to? University of Wisconsin, La Crosse

What are you majoring in at your current college/university? I am majoring in recreation management.

How did Black Hawk College prepare you for a four-year school? Black Hawk College taught me some great study habits that I have used in my upper level classes at my current school. I also learned how to balance my time appropriately.

What did you enjoy about Black Hawk College or your time here? I enjoyed living in The Villas, and hanging out with all the friends I made. I also really enjoyed some of the classes I took.

What are you planning on doing when you graduate? After I graduate I plan on attending grad school to pursue a master’s degree in student affairs administration.