SCC sets record enrollment

SYLVA…Southwestern Community College’s 2005 spring enrollment figures set a 40-year record with a total of 1,940 students registered, according to college officials. And this follows on a record fall enrollment.

A group of peer tutors available to SCC students, through the college’s increased student support services, meet for training. They are, left to right, front row: Chassie Shelton, patricia Grahma, Areli Barrera and Maleigha Elliott. Second row: Christine Hubinger, Mikki Gingrich, Ydo Yumart, Rita Watkins, Verna Humphrey, and Vickie Holzknecht. Third row: Marti Hunter (tutor coordinator), Deborah Thomas, Virginia Cranfield, Luis Duran-Aparicio, and Ed Bonjokian. Fourth row, Alva Duke.

Phil Weast, director of Student Services, attributes the large spring enrollment to three things. “First, this fall we had the largest class of new students we’ve ever had and they chose to stay with us. That’s a very positive sign,” Weast said. “Second, we’ve made improvements in – and increasingly placed our emphasis on – our services to students such as our web-based classes, the Learning Assistance Center, and our in depth advising services. And third, we’re committed to excellence in the classroom. We really want to ensure that our students experience excellence at every level at SCC.”

This year SCC has seen significant increases in its Distance Learning programs with some 100 additional students enrolled this year over last. The college’s 18 interactive television courses accounted for 365 students this year.

Dr. Gene Couch, vice president for Instructional Services, also sees increasing numbers in both the college transfer program and in programs that offer career options. “Many students who want to earn a four-year degree or choose a program of study that will lead directly to employment decide to start at SCC. The college transfer students recognize the value of beginning their educational goal with a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree from SCC that will transfer to any public senior institution in the state. And those who want to enter a career see SCC as their first choice,” Couch said.

Southwestern offers over 70 degree and certificate programs in wide variety of career fields. Although smaller in size than a number of its sister institutions, it is the 5th largest provider of health care education and training among all the community colleges in North Carolina. More than 8,000 students annually attend classes at one or more of the college’s locations in Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties and the Qualla Boundary.

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