Enrollment higher at WCC this fall
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on August 21, 2008 1:37 PM
Preliminary fall enrollment numbers at Wayne Community College exceed last year's final count, officials said.
Classes resumed on Monday, with an estimated 3,331 students signed up so far. Another 100 are expected to enroll this week and for the second eight-week session at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in October.
The number tops the 3,304 final figure for the fall of 2007 and represents a trend of steady growth.
Welcoming new and returning students for another "stellar year" is Dr. Kay Albertson, embarking on her second academic year as the college's president.
"This college gave the community so much to be proud of last year, I can't even imagine all that students and employees will accomplish in 2008-09," she said. "Wayne Community College truly is one of the jewels in the N.C community college system's crown."
The president remains guardedly optimistic at this point, aware of the fluctuations that can occur in student numbers.
"Sadly, the economy tends to boost or lower enrollment," she said last week.
When the economy is "gloomy," she noted, the numbers go up, prompted by the need to acquire or enhance job-ready skills.
"The bright spot is that Wayne Community College is here to offer the people of this community what they need to survive and thrive during these times," she said. "They konw that they can come to us for programs that prepare them to go to work in fields that need their skills and pay well or for an affordable avenue toward a four-year education, if that is what they seek."