HCC Fall Enrollment Up Over 15% - Historic Record Set

Hopkinsville Community College (HCC) has set a new all-time enrollment record. HCCs enrollment is up 15.4 percent compared with the same time last year. The college has a headcount of 4,464 students taking classes in the current term from August to December, compared with 3,867 enrolled in fall 2010.

According to estimates from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, overall undergraduate enrollment at Kentuckys postsecondary institutions has increased 2 percent over the last year.

While many colleges are remaining flat or declining, I am proud that HCC has continued to grow and could be such a significant contributor to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System enrollment increase for this fall, explained Selbe. HCCs current enrollment accounts for approximately 44 percent of the overall headcount increase for KCTCS.

HCCs enrollment remained flat last spring and was on a steady climb over the last seven terms prior. We were up over 27 percent last summer; over 14 percent in spring 2010; and another 16 percent in fall 2009, said HCC President Dr. Jim Selbe. This is a historic term for HCC. We have been fortunate to have many unemployed workers go back to work while experiencing such a tremendous enrollment increase. Its really the best of both worlds

HCCs Fort Campbell Campus has seen an impressive 27.7% growth in its headcount with 351 additional students compared to fall 2010, making their headcount1618. HCCs mission in regard to the military student is to serve those who serve. Since we have a campus at Fort Campbell, we do have high touch with the military. However, all of HCCs locations provide excellent service to military students and their families. said Allisha Lee, HCC Fort Campbell Campus director. The military population has unique needs and requirements that our college truly understands.

HCC Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Jason Warren pointed out supportive actions taken by the college to ensure a successful environment and help retain students. The college has dramatically decreased the number of students without a declared academic major, explained Warren. Students who have declared an academic major and have a written academic plan are more likely to be retained. In recent semesters we have emphasized a number of student success initiatives, elaborated Warren. We believe initiatives such as enrollment in student success courses, improved orientations and group advising sessions are improving the first semester experience of our students.

HCC is taking numerous actions to accommodate its rapidly growing population. More online courses are being offered, and additional full-time faculty and adjuncts instructors have been hired.