Eastern Maine seventh fastest-growing community college in U.S.
In its annual publication of fastest-growing community colleges, Community College Week ranked Eastern Maine Community College the seventh fastest-growing college in the nation, as well as the fastest in the Northeast. The ranking was among community colleges with enrollments between 2,500 and 4,999 from the fall of 2012 to the fall of 2013.
Eastern Maine Community College saw a 17% increase, growing from 2,187 students to 2,558 students.
In contrast, higher education enrollment nationally has decreased by 1.3% and enrollment amongst community colleges nationally has decreased by 3.1% during this same period of time.
Eastern Maine Community College is a two-year college that provides post-secondary technical, career and transfer education and also serves as a community and economic development resource. In addition to its Bangor campus, the college has off-campus higher education centers in Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth and East Millinocket.
To buck the downward trend in enrollments, Eastern Maine Community College has added several new academic programs and undertaken initiatives centered on student success and retention. New programs implemented since 2010 include: criminal justice, fine woodworking, hospitality and tourism management, health information technology, business office technology, career and technical education and fire science. Many traditional programs — based around nursing, automotive and electrical professions — are at capacity or have waiting lists.
In a press release, EMCC President Lawrence Barrett also credited the college’s overhaul of its support services as an initiative that has improved first-year students’ experiences and performance. Support services include increased tutoring and advising and intensive remedial work.
Read more
Maine’s colleges and universities struggle with shrinking budgets
EMCC head may step down for Florida post
Most Recent
Most Recent
Comments