(WICHITA, KS) – A doubling of enrollment has placed Wichita Area Technical College among the nation’s fastest-growing colleges. Community College Week published its ranking in the December 4 issue. WATC places second in the nation among colleges with enrollments of less than 2,500 students. Between fall 2007 and fall 2008 its enrollment leapt from 924 to 1,891.
“Last year we predicted that we would be in the top five so it just doesn’t get much better than this,” said Peter A. Gustaf, WATC president. “This listing recognizes that if you offer the highest quality, technically advanced programs students will respond and sign on.”
This year’s analysis represents a pre-recession view of the changing enrollment demand at the nation’s community colleges. CCW predicts that the economic downturn will lead to an even more dramatic increase in 2010 as the unemployed and underemployed turn to two-year colleges to acquire new skills and competencies.
WATC’s tremendous growth over the past two years coupled with its planned move into a state-of-the-
“Our tireless board, faculty and staff continue to elevate the reputation of our college,” said Gustaf. “Our community and students have entrusted us to provide world-class technical education and this recognition validates that we are on the right track.”
Community College Week analyzes data provided by the U.S. Department of Education for its annual special report. For more information about this ranking, go to www.ccweek.com and click on “The Big Get Bigger.”
