December 16, 2011
For the second time, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ has drawn the attention of two national publications. This fall ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ was named a "Great College To Work For" byβ The Chronicle of Higher Educationβ and was also identified as one of the 50 fastest growing community colleges in the country byβ Community College Weekβ ³Ύ²Ή²΅²Ή³ϊΎ±²Τ±π.β
The Chronicle of Higher Educationβ placed ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ among the top small colleges and universities in the nation in two categories: Confidence in Senior Leadership and Collaborative Governance (involvement of faculty in decision making). Results are obtained from anonymous surveys of college employees.β
"I was very pleased to see us included as a 'Great College To Work For' in 2011. This information comes straight from our employees and it is refreshing to hear that they are happy with the direction the College is headed," ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ President Dr. Brad Johnson, said. "The Chronicleβ is a very well-respected publication in higher education and it means a lot to have your institution recognized by them."
More recently, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ was identified as the 44th fastest growing community college of its size in the country byβ Community College Week. This is the second straight year that ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ has made this list.β
"We have seen record enrollment for several years now, outpacing many other colleges with larger population bases. This means that more people in our rural area are choosing to pursue higher education," Johnson said. "Despite significant funding cuts, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ has successfully absorbed a 35% increase in enrollment over the last three years. Our people have been productive and resourceful and we have managed to thrive despite many challenges."
While many institutions have scaled back during the economic recession, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ has taken a more proactive approach that has included the addition of new programs and buildings. In 2009, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ completed the Elizabeth Hoggatt Whatley Agriculture Complex. This LEED Platinum certified green facility is the first of its kind and has already brought many new opportunities in agriculture to the region. In fall 2011, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ also opened a new apartment-style housing complex and fitness center.β
"We have spent a lot of effort in developing the vision we want for ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅. Rather than sit back and wait out the recession, we opted to press forward in a sustainable way," Johnson said.β
Also in 2011, ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ opened the Industrial Technology Training Center in Mount Pleasant. This partnership with Mount Pleasant ISD and the Mount Pleasant Industrial Development Corporation provides workforce training that is needed by area industries. The first group of these students is now completing the program and going to work.
Other programs like ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ Honors, The Carroll Shelby Automotive Technology Program, The Julia Truitt Culinary Arts Program, Eagle Athletics and others have been created and expanded in recent years. Areas in Allied Health, like nursing, physical therapist assistant and dental hygiene continue to have very competitive admission and waiting lists.
"Overall, we are pleased with the progress that has been made at ΊωΒ«ΝήΚΣΖ΅ in 2011. It is nice to receive recognition, but the real prize is seeing our students and employees thrive. That is what the College is all about," Johnson said.β
