Southern Wesleyan University president Todd Voss, left, and Baptist Easley CEO Michael Batchelor sign an agreement aligning the two organizations for the future.

EASLEY — Baptist Easley CEO Michael L. Batchelor and Southern Wesleyan University president Todd Voss signed a letter of agreement aligning the two organizations for the future last week.

“As we continue to preserve, promote and enhance the health of those we serve, it is critical that we connect with partners who share a common mission and commitment to our community,” Batchelor said.

One of the first joint initiatives will be the development of a Master’s in Business Administration with a Health Care Administration concentration. The program will be the first program of its kind in the Upstate.

The 22-month program, which could launch as early as this fall, will combine the finance, operations and business management components of a traditional MBA, while also adding key elements of healthcare management.

“I am committed to preparing our healthcare leaders for the future and further supporting the economic development for the communities in which we serve,” Batchelor said.

Additionally, the agreement addresses:

• Physician and athletic support for the growing sports program at SWU

• Enhancement of faculty, staff, student, and dependent health care options, to include wellness and prevention programs

• A possible healthcare clinic on the SWU campus that would also support the local community, as well as advancing the outreach mission of Baptist Easley

• Investigation of health care benefits and savings options by working to find solutions through collaboration.

“Our partnership will remain fluid as new initiatives evolve and develop,” Batchelor said. “Students interested in business and health-related careers will have an array of hands-on experiences through internships, and we will take advantage of using the university facilities for ongoing professional development.

“Together we will be able to achieve for our community what would not be possible otherwise.”