Anyone that might find themselves trying to park on the campus of Sampson Community College since the return of students earlier this week might find it a bit of a challenge. Even one college administrator, after traveling completely around campus, opted to return home and have her husband bring her to work. It’s all because students are back and, for the third consecutive semester, enrollment is up as the 2010-11 school year begins.

Dr. Bill Aiken, SCC president said, “Sampson Community College is pleased to experience continuing growth. This fall’s enrollment is the highest in the history of the college at 1,710 students. The enrollment for fall 2009 was 1,670. Perhaps the biggest factor affecting the growth is the economy. People who are unemployed are continuing to seek new skills in their attempt to return to the workforce.”

The growth in enrollment would have been even more had the state and county changed criteria for some programs.

Aiken added, “Enrollment growth would have been even greater, but there were significant changes in the programs provided to high school students, Sampson Correctional Facility, and Sampson County Detention Center.”

These students, he noted, are not longer participating as a result of the changes made and, therefore, they were not counted or the figures previously given would have been even higher.

Many factors could account for the continued increase in enrollment figures such as continued growth in course offerings and programs that the college president and his staff have implemented in recent years. Receiving more grants has, in turn, he said, increased interest in the community college and its offered educational opportunities.

“The college has added full-time and part-time faculty in order to meet the demand,” the SCC president shared.

“While growth brings a number of issues, such as the need for classroom space, the college is pleased to provide training in an attempt to have a better trained workforce for the county.”

Aiken said he is hopeful that the number of students attending and wanting to attend SCC will continue to climb. He is expecting to see an increase in enrollment for the spring 2011 semester also and shared that the college will do all it can to provide for all students wishing to expand their education.

To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail siobits@heartlandpublications.com.