Opening day numbers at WCC
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 21, 2007 1:45 PM
Wayne Community College had a successful opening day Monday, officials said, with enrollment numbers ahead of last year's first-day count.
Headcount for the main campus totaled 3,221, according to the admissions office. The Fall II session on the base has yet to enroll in October.
Last year at this time, the college had 3,149 students, said Susan Sasser, director of admissions and records. The final tally for the fall was 3,268.
The steady trend pleased Dr. Kay Albertson, college president.
"The factors that usually work against enrollment growth -- a healthy economy, the closing of the base's prison camp, the deployment of Air Force personnel and high gas prices -- haven't hurt us like they could have," she said. "It is good that so many people are overcoming obstacles and putting their education first."
Calling Monday "one of the smoothest first days" she had experienced, Dr. Albertson said students seemed to be navigating well and finding their classes with ease.
"I am counting this as an omen that WCC will have a spectacular year," she said. "These folks are here to learn, and we're here to give them the best education we can provide. It is good to be getting on with that process and that purpose."
Meanwhile, Mount Olive College, which starts classes on Wednesday, reported 165 new freshmen have arrived on campus, moving into the dorms on Sunday.
New transfers arrive today, with staff assisting in orientation and registration activities.
According to Barbara Kornegay, vice president for enrollment, 2,750 students are expected for the fall semester.