Tyler Junior College has again raised its spring enrollment numbers, up from last year’s record of 11,640 to 11,672 for Spring 2020.
Kim Lessner, TJC vice president for marketing and enrollment services and chief communications officer, reported on TJC’s spring totals during today’s regular meeting of the TJC Board of Trustees.
“It takes the entire (college community) to come to this,” Lessner said. “It’s just a phenomenal job by everyone at TJC.”
More than 90 percent of the students who are enrolled for spring are continuing or returning students, so enrollment is also about retention, she added.
“Enrollment is a key vitality factor for the institution,” Lessner said, “but we’re equally focused on making sure that we keep students and ultimately get them across the stage at commencement with their award in hand. That is really, in the end, what they’re here for.”
TJC President Dr. Juan E. Mejia said, “We are enthused and excited as we correlate enrollment with providing access to families from our communities. The courageous leaders who created the College in 1926 launched the greatest movement of access to higher education for this entire region, and we are honored to continue this legacy.”
He added, “I congratulate and thank each and every one of you for the way you help change lives for the better by celebrating higher learning.”
TJC offers classes in five locations as well as online, making opportunities for students flexible and convenient. In addition, many local high school students are attending TJC classes through dual enrollment and early college high school programs.
Established in 1926, TJC is one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Texas. TJC offers more than 125 degree and certificate options, plus extensive customized training and adult and continuing education, and offers opportunities for students to transfer to senior universities or to gain the skills needed to go directly into the workforce. TJC is one of only four legacy community colleges in Texas authorized to offer up to five baccalaureate degrees.
TJC features a 145-acre main campus and multiple branch locations, rigorous academics, 62 national athletic championships, stellar fine and performing arts programs, modern residential facilities, and organizations and clubs that promote student diversity. The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program has named TJC as one of the top 150 community colleges in the nation.
Throughout its 93-year history, TJC has embodied the true sense of the term “community” and has as a cornerstone the promises of a quality education, a vibrant student life and service to its communities.
For more information, go to TJC.edu.