Three semesters. Three consecutive enrollment increases. That’s what’s happening these days at Columbus Technical College.  The College is experiencing an enrollment growth of about five percent for Spring of 2019 from 2018. That number may increase even further since the school is still enrolling students for an embedded mini-semester that starts on March 4.  The current enrollment news is in addition to an estimated 6.6 percent increase from Fall 2017 to Fall 2018 and a whopping 12.6 percent jump from Summer 2017 to 2018. Overall, the average enrollment increase over the last three terms equals about 8.1 percent.

Source: Banner student information system

President Lorette M. Hoover gives credit to the Columbus Technical College team and its collective efforts at enrollment and retention.

“We have several important initiatives in place that focus on not only finding and enrolling students but also at ensuring the students successfully complete their studies while they are here,” Hoover said. “One such example is the TEAMS ([Technical College System of Georgia] Early Alert System) where, for example, faculty or staff members can ‘flag’ students for issues like excessive absences or overdue payments. The scenario is sent to the appropriate department or departments for follow-up and appropriate action is taken.”

When it comes to enrollment itself, much of the credit goes to consistent messaging through recruiting and marketing efforts, according to Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Tara Askew.

“Our recruiters are constantly out and about in our six-county service area, touting the benefits of Columbus Technical College. From visiting area high schools to participating in community events, we let potential students know they can get a quality, accredited education for the fraction of the price of a big university,” Dr. Askew said. “Columbus Technical College doesn’t have the advertising budget of the bigger schools yet it’s imperative that our efforts cast a wide net from traditional mediums like print and television to social media and SEO (Search Engine Optimization) marketing.”