FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 8, 2003
CONTACT: Nicole Colangelo-Lessin, Northwest Vista College Public Information Officer
210.531.4851
Northwest Vista College Named Fastest-Growing Community College of its Size in the Nation
For the second straight year, Northwest Vista College has been recognized as a nation-wide leader in student growth by Community College Week, a national newspaper of community colleges.
In the December 8 issue, Northwest Vista College was recognized as the fastest-growing community college in the nation among mid-sized instituions (5,000-9,999 students). The data, which was obtained from the U.S. Department of Education, shows that Northwest Vista College grew 32% during the year 2001-2002. The college was named as fourth-fastest in the nation for growth in this same category the previous year.
"The tremendous increases we have experienced are in large part a reflection of population changes in our area," remarked Northwest Vista College president Jacqueline Claunch. "But they can also be attributed to our reputation for providing students with a quality education in a learner-centered environment."
Northwest Vista College has continued to strive for and attain educational excellence, despite all this growth. Last month, the college was selected as one of four community colleges in the nation for a Student Retention Intitative Award from the MetLife Foundation. The college was chosen for the $10,000 award through excellent ratings from students on the Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) and retention data. "Our challenge remains to continue to provide our students with the same quality of education and services even while we grow," explains Claunch. "The MetLife award confirms that so far we have been successful in meeting that goal."
Each year, Northwest Vista College has exceeded master plan projections for student enrollment, with last fall's population surpassing 8,000. Despite this explosive growth, building construction remains far behind the Master Plan timeline for construction, forcing the college to offer classes off-campus and through a weekend college. Nonetheless, in November, the college broke ground on a 29,500 square foot Community and Technology Center which will provide classroom, lab and office space.