ANC enrollment down slightly

Enrollment numbers at Arkansas Northeastern College are down slightly this semester from last year's numbers, but school officials say this was expected for the fall semester because of changes in the enrollment process.

ANC reported having 1,425 students enrolled for the fall semester as of the 11th day of class, which is the number reported to the state each semester. This number is down from this time last year, according to Associate Vice President for Development abd College Relations Rachel Gifford, when the school reported having 1,672 students as of the 11th day.

ANC President Dr. James Shemwell said the decline in enrollment wasn't a surprise and is, in part, a result some changes made in the school's registration process, which reflects its refocused effort at graduating a higher percentage of students.

"Certainly our enrollment standards have impacted these numbers slightly on the front end, but we feel that we will retain a larger portion of the students who begin because they will be more prepared for college," said Shemwell, who also pointed to declining population and increased employment as factors in the college's enrollment decrease.

"I feel good about our numbers because I know that we have done a good job in placing our students," he said. "We have a lower student-to-teacher ratio, which will also help in our student success. I've said it before and I'll say it again -- it's not about how many walk in our doors, it's about how many walk out of our doors with some type of credential. Just coming here isn't enough. Leaving here, having completed what you started, is the goal."

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com