Registration Draws a Crowd

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College registration draws a crowd as locals try to find skills and work.

Like many in Logan County, Bryan Smith faces the grim reality of unemployment. Now he is going back to college to get the training he needs to find, and keep, a job.

And Smith's not the only one. Fall classes began on Monday, August 17 at all campuses of Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College. Students filled the hallways as they rushed to classes in an attempt to start a new career, advance a current one or simply gain new skills.

“I have a four year degree from Marshall but I wanted to go more technical,” Smith said. "Today's jobs require more technical skills. Employers are looking for people who have those skills and can go right to work."

While registration was extended two days, the final numbers will not be available until later this month. President Joanne Jaeger Tomblin is expecting an increase from last year due to more non-traditional students enrolling, those age 25 and older.

“I think people are really beginning to understand the value of an education, especially at a community college,” Tomblin said. “It’s just not enough anymore to be a high school graduate. You have to have some sort of specialty training, a skill or technical degree or certificate."

Community colleges around the country are playing a huge role in preparing more and more students for the ever-changing workplace. The tuition rate is more affordable too.

"The way the economy has changed has really emphasized that people are turning to education to better themselves and their lifestyles with hopes of a better job and a better future,” said Katie Smith-Cox, vice-president of academic affairs at Southern. "We provide students with numerous options in order to make education convenient and affordable."

Students are continuing to register for certain programs which have extended enrollment. “It’s been very busy,” said Prudence Barker, dean of enrollment services and registrar at Southern.

While some were returning students, many were signing up for their first classes at Southern.

“We’ve been registering current students all summer,” Barker said. “Last week's registration was mainly new and some returning. I think that folks that come for the first time to register are surprised at the turnout.”

Sherry Dotson said she has been enrolled at Southern for two semesters and is registered for medical office classes in the hopes of beginning a new career.

Others are simply looking to add another notch to their resume.

“I already have an Associate in Science degree,” said Kevin Muncy. “I’m just learning a new skill. You have to keep your skills current. My instructors have been very helpful.”

The Mine Management and Cosmetology/Salon Management programs are now open enrollment. The pre-requisites for these programs have been waived. For Mine Management program information, contact Bill Alderman at 304-896-7381. For Cosmetology/Salon Management information, contact Joan Thompson at 304-896-7372. Both Alderman and Thompson have offices at the Logan Campus.

The Survey Technology program to become a licensed land surveyor is being offered again this fall at the Boone/Lincoln Campus. Applications for this program are being accepted until September 14, 2009. Seating is limited to 15 students. This program is accredited by the State of West Virginia Board of Professional Surveyors. For more information, contact Carol Howerton at 304-896-7337 or Pamela L. Alderman at 304-896-7302.

Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College offers many degree and certificate programs in its Career and Technical Division, including Allied Health, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Mine Management, and Survey Technology.

The University Transfer Division offers degrees that prepare students to transfer into upper division programs at four year colleges and universities.

Southern operates four campuses and two sites in Boone, Logan, Lincoln, Mingo, Raleigh and Wyoming counties. Kentucky students residing in Pike, Martin, Boyd and Lawrence counties are eligible for in-state tuition rates.

The college web site is www.southernwv.edu and the toll free number is 1-866-SWVCTC1.