Spring semester enrollment at Stark State climbs 8.8%

Stark State College grew 8.8% this semester over the previous spring semester and according to the U.S. Department of Education, continues to be one of the fastest growing mid-size, public two-year colleges in the nation.

This spring, official headcount is 8364 credit students compared to 7690 credit students last spring semester. Figures are reported to the Board of Regents 14-days after the start of each semester.
“Stark State College is a national leader in student enrollment growth,” said Jack Kurtz, Stark State’s vice president for information technology. “Citing U.S. Department of Education data, Community College Week shows Stark State as the second fastest-growing public two-year college with between 5,000 and 9,999 students in the nation from 2004 and 2006, with a 3-year increase of over 21%.

“Stark State’s enrollment growth aligns with Ohio public policy,” said Stark State President John O’Donnell, Ph.D. He cited the Governor’s Commission on Higher Education and the Economy and its goal of educating more Ohioans, as well as the University System of Ohio. “A goal of the new university system is to provide a continuum of higher education, from community and technical colleges to universities, in order to provide convenient, affordable access to all Ohioans,” he explained.

Dr. Timothy Quinnan, vice president of student services and enrollment management, cited
e-learning as one reason for the growing enrollment, “More students are taking advantage of e-learning which is a unique alternative to traditional on-campus classes and suits the busy lifestyles of our students, many of whom juggle work and family responsibilities.”

“E-learning at Stark State began in 2001 as an additional way to offer courses to students,” explained Wendy Lampner, director of e-learning. “It has evolved into national accreditation of our e-learning program and approval to offer full programs online.

“Many current Stark State students take a combination of distance learning and on-campus classes,” Lampner said. “And, e-learning extends opportunities to students across the nation and in other countries to enroll at Stark State, without leaving home.”

In addition to about 150 online courses, the College currently offers complete online associate degree programs in Computer Science and Engineering Technology, Computer Programming and Database, Information Reporting Technology, Web Design and Development, and a one-year Bookkeeping Certificate.

Also driving the College’s sustained high enrollment growth are new majors in emerging tecnhnologies, such as biotechnology, defense metals, fuel cells and cyber security/computer forensics. The College works closely with the new Defense Metals Center and the Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Prototyping Center, both headquartered on campus, to develop learning opportunities for students.

In addition, health technology programs have reached record demand and account for nearly 40% of the College’s enrollment. According to Tom Chiappini, vice president for business and finance, a new 46,000 sq. ft. health sciences building will be completed in 2009 to accommodate the community’s growing need for educated health care workers. “In the past three years, the College has added four buildings totalling over 110,000 sq. ft. to accommodate high enrollment growth,” Chiappini added.

Stark State’s affordable tuition of $127 per semester hour is an advantage for local students and families, as well as the College’s wide range of scholarships and financial aid programs. About 60% of all Stark State students receive some type of financial aid.

Stark State College offers 48 associate degrees, 12 one-year certificate programs, certificates of competency, contract training for business/industry, and continuing education for professional and personal development. For more information, call 330-494-6170.
 

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