Anderson Oconee Pickens

Tri-County's Spring Enrollment Up 9.7%

CONTACT: DR. RONNIE L. BOOTH, 646-1773

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2/4/2004
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- Traditionally Tri-County Technical College's enrollment has climbed when a lagging economy and job layoffs send people back to the classroom for retraining and preparing for second careers.

Although the state of the economy and the State's Lottery Tuition Assistance program are contributing factors, President Ronnie L. Booth credits this semester's 9.7 percent enrollment surge with the increased awareness that a college degree isn't a luxury but a necessity for acquiring and maintaining employment in today's competitive workforce.

Enrollment for spring semester is 4,397 -- an unprecedented figure in the college's history, according to enrollment and registration reports.

"The public understands that a high school education just isn't enough. The only way to have a chance in this economy is a good college education," said Dr. Booth. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that jobs requiring an associate degree are projected to grow by 32 percent over the 2000-10 period, and an estimated 65% of jobs will require skilled workers (some formal training or education beyond high school).

A technical degree improves a person's employability and increases earning potential, added Dr. Booth.

The average American changes jobs approximately seven times in his or her lifetime. "In today's workforce, to keep a job or to get a new one, an education is necessary. It is not possible to just tread water. Everyone has to constantly upgrade his or her skills to make a difference as an employee."

Another major indicator in Tri-County's enrollment jump is the availability of lottery scholarships that make education more affordable for many. More and more people are choosing Tri-County for their educational needs because "given these tight economic times, students and parents can get two years of college at a significantly reduced rate," said Dr. Booth. Tri-County's tuition is $1,225 per semester, but with a lottery tuition scholarship, valued at $876 for eligible full-time students, a student would pay a balance of only $349 for a semester.

As of January 30, $2,067,480 in lottery tuition scholarships had been granted to 2007 students. Last year lottery scholarships totaled $1,937,036 and were granted to 1,806 students.

The amount of Pell grants dispersed also is on the rise. This year 2,148 students have received $4,469,082 as opposed to $4,121,512 last year.

Of course, the state of the economy is another factor in students entering college, sometimes for the first time. Associates who have been laid off from their jobs are repositioning themselves for new careers by enrolling at Tri-County.

Allysa Brown, of Anderson, and Deecy Howard, of Honea Path, two longtime production associates at BASF (now Honeywell), were laid off last August and soon were pursuing health care degrees at Tri-County. Both qualified for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program, which serves dislocated workers, adults and employers in the tri-county area. Brown and Howard are receiving assistance with books and tuition through WIA.

"There's nothing out there (in the workforce) without an education," said Brown, who is now a Dental Assisting major. "Today, good-paying jobs requiring no education are few and far between," echoed Howard, who is in the Surgical Technology curriculum. Returning to school required adjustments to their lives, they say, but credit WIA personnel's support for their successful transitions. Five months later, both agree the layoff was actually a blessing in disguise. "The medical profession is a lasting career," said Brown. "These are careers we can enjoy for the rest of our lives," added Howard. "We couldn't do it without WIA and its supportive staff."

In addition to appealing to those looking for a technical degree, Tri-County serves as a lead in for those planning to go the university transfer route and continue their studies at a four-year college or university. "We have a great relationship with Clemson University, Southern Wesleyan University and Anderson College, and we have super transfer opportunities. We serve as a great buffer transition to larger colleges," said Dr. Booth.

Faculty believe that personal attention, smaller classes and, more importantly, good advising result in a positive experience for students, many of whom are first-generation students or returning to the classroom after an absence of a decade or more.

Criminal Justice Department Head Tim Busha feels efforts in enhancing the advising process are the key to retention. In the past three years, the enrollment in the Criminal Justice department had risen from 97 students to 182. "Enrollment has grown because we take a personal interest in each student," he said. "Good advising equals a satisfied and employable student. Good advising also focuses on developing career goals and a roadmap for the students to attain those goals."

Busha believes that dedicated faculty are the reason the retention rate is so high. "Students stay because we care and we help them to attain their individual goals. The key to retention is going beyond registering a student for classes and assisting them with a narrow academic objective."

"The best advertising in business is word of mouth," said Dr. Booth. "The public knows we are accessible, and employers are happy with our graduates. We want every student to have a good experience at Tri-County. We want to offer the best programs and five-star service -- it's what people deserve and expect, and it's the right thing to do."
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