Record 2,621 students attend classes at CCC

CLARKSDALE – Coahoma Community College continues its pace as one of America’s fastest-growing 2-year colleges with fall enrollment skyrocketing nearly 16 percent, according to Wanda Holmes registrar.

“We have 2,621 students registered for the fall semester which is an increase of 358 students over 2008’s total of 2263,” says Holmes.

“It represents a 43 percent increase since 2006 with 1,838 students,” continues Holmes.

Enrollment in 2007 was 2,205.

She said some students were still completing the registration process, and the 2009 figure may go higher.

The crowded campus is no surprise to faculty, staff, and students seeking parking places every morning.

The situation, however, is viewed by most adminstrators as a good problem even if a hike from James E. Miller Football Stadium parking lot is required.

Commenting positively, CCC president Vivian Presley says, “Excitement is definitely in the air.”

“It is a wonderful feeling to meet students who are overflowing everywhere,” she said. “It makes you realize you have a most important task - educating, training, and preparing them to become successful citizens.”

Presley attributes several factors to the enrollment increase and says individuals are realizing that without education and training, there is no way to make it in today’s society.

“With more and more industries closing, people must continually train themselves to be ready for whatever comes,” she says.

She says Coahoma tries to accommodate students by making education and training more accessible.

“We have seven off-campus sites located in communities where students live and can walk to class or drive a short distance,” she said.

“Online instruction also is becoming more popular each year; students can attend class whenever it is best for him or her – twelve o’clock midnight is okay,” she said.

She said dual enrollment attracts others and high school students are finishing credits before they graduate.

Registrar Wanda Holmes attributes increased enrollment to the economy, new programs, recruiting, and CCC’s emphasis on early registration.

“Our goal was 2500 students, and it worked,” she said.

Rosemary Dill, vice president of institutional effectiveness, believes many Mississippians realize that education at Coahoma is “a great bargain.”