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ICC enrollment increases again - continues to rank among state's leaders

           Itawamba Community College ranks among the leaders in the state in full-time enrollment increase, according to figures released this week by the Mississippi Community College Board.

            With fall enrollment at 4,476 at the end of the 10-day reporting period, figures from fall 2023-fall 2024 show a 4.1 percent increase, nearly double the state average. In addition, enrollment was up 7 percent the last two semesters, statistics show.

            The continuing increase over the last two reporting periods can be attributed to multiple factors, according to ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. They include the addition of significant housing opportunities tailored to student needs with the opening of Magnolia Hall last fall and the reopening of Sheffield and Monroe Halls with spaces designed to accommodate the ICC student of today at the beginning of this semester, and an enhanced emphasis on activities.

            “This is very exciting news,” Allen said. “The increase in the number of students that ICC is serving is significant because we have additional opportunities to provide a solid educational foundation and the best start for those in our five-county district and beyond.”

            “Statistics show that the more students are engaged, the more successful they will be in the classroom,” according to ICC Vice President of Student Services Dr. Brad Boggs. “Having an attractive, comprehensive student activities program plays a major role in attracting students to attend ICC and subsequently an opportunity to retain students once they enroll.” The renewed emphasis on student activities includes opportunities for both traditional age students as well as adult learners at all three locations – Fulton, Tupelo and Belden – based on listening to ICC’s students and staff and providing programs/events that are of interest to all. “Student engagement is an opportunity for students to make lifelong friendships and connections as well as to participate in fun activities, especially with the reopening of the Student Activities Center at the Fulton Campus, which is designed to provide the BEST opportunities for all students.”

            In addition, Itawamba Community College has transitioned to a Schools of approach to group like majors into a cohort to enable students to connect better with their selected field of study as well as with those in the same area, such as academic transfer and career education.

            In comparison to all other higher education options in the state, both public and private, ICC has the second lowest cost of tuition and cost of tuition and fees combined. While the updated enrollment figures include online, academic and career education classes, they do not include workforce totals, which are not measured on a semester basis, Allen said.

            “Because of the dedication of ICC’s faculty and staff, our Board of Trustees and external funding support, we continue to provide an affordable and quality option, which has been documented in the naming of ICC among the top 150 in the nation and eligible for the 2025 Aspen Prize and the recent announcement of the continuation of a significant grant as part of the Metallica Scholars Initiative to provide scholarships to underserved students, only one of 60 colleges in the nation,” Allen said. “In addition, the work of our recruiters, enrollment services and community relations team and our entire institution has contributed to this increase in enrollment.”

            Allen also noted that data from the Institutions of Higher Learning shows that ICC produces graduates that when they attend any of the state’s eight universities, they generate the second highest number of bachelor’s degrees by transfer students. They also graduate with a higher GPA than the student who started at the university.

            “We are always excited to hear that more students have chosen to become a member of our ICC family,” said Michael Holloway, director of Recruitment and Orientation. “I truly believe that ICC provides the best instruction in academic transfer, career education and health sciences programs, including those that are online. The many resources and opportunities available to students at the Fulton, Tupelo and Belden locations enhance the overall student experience and help ICC students achieve success. From the first time a student arrives at an ICC location or begins one of our fully-online programs to the day they complete their degree or certification, ICC provides wraparound services throughout the entire process. It’s an exciting time to be at ICC, where we ensure that the BEST start here.”



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