WTC English instructor Margaret Chandler (third from left) and math instructor Willie Bryant (second from right) spend a moment visiting with a few of the record-breaking 796 students enrolled at the College this spring semester.  Pictured with Chandler and Bryant are (from left) Glander Pressley from Andrews, Latavish Asbery from North Charleston, Jared Culick from Barrineau, and Seth Browder from Cades. 

WTC Spring Enrollment Hits Record High

Williamsburg Technical College spring registration headcount figures swelled to a record-breaking 796 following late registration, a whopping 75% increase over last spring semester. The full-time enrollment (FTE) count topped 500, another milestone first in the history of the college.

“College faculty and staff have worked hard to recruit and enroll students,” says interim president Dr. Cheryl Cox.  “We have classrooms overflowing and students still wanting to enroll in specific programs which are already at capacity.”

The record enrollment comes on the heels of the college’s request to the county council for increased millage to ensure that the college remains a strong part of the county’s economic fiber. Receiving only three mills under the umbrella of the Williamsburg County School District for over 35 years and most recently getting only three additional mills by the county after moving from under the school district’s millage disbursement, Williamsburg Technical College physical facilities were woefully lacking under previous enrollment figures, let alone under an increase of this size.

Space issues are being addressed, and the cleanliness and appearance of the buildings are a priority, but other issues are beyond the control of college employees under current budget constraints. Heating and cooling units provide undependable temperature control, telecommunications and electrical connectivity are inadequate, furniture doesn’t meet the needs of today’s students, and classrooms are at capacity.

“We are at a crossroads,” says Cox.  “We are one of the most valuable economic development tools in the county, and we are progressing in our mission to educate and train as many students as we can, but we simply must have improved resources to continue to serve the citizens of the county.” College officials have requested a six-mill increase to raise county support of the college some $500,000 as a necessary precursor to other local, state and federal initiatives to provide financial stability.

The college is beginning its reaccreditation process this year through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) which is the touchstone for qualifying degrees, diplomas and certificates.  SACS accreditation also enables colleges and universities to qualify to offer federal and state financial aid options.  Over 85 percent of Williamsburg Technical College students currently receive some form of financial aid.

County council will announce their intentions for commitment of additional millage at their February meeting.