ELLISVILLE – There’s a lot of activity on the Jones College campus as more students are heading to the Ellisville campus in record numbers. It’s been 15 years since the two-year college enrolled more than 5,000 students, but this fall the official number of students reported to the Mississippi Community College Board was 5,057. Additionally, students are taking more semester credit hours (SCH) with 63,341posted this fall.
“Since Fall 2023, Jones College has experienced nearly 12 percent in enrollment growth. We led the state in headcount growth among community colleges last fall and spring, and we are proud to see that momentum continue with even more growth this fall,” said Vice President of Enrollment, Dr. Amanda McLeod.
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on enrollment nationwide. Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith is proud of the hard work and success the enrollment management professionals have made over the years and wanted to celebrate the progress with a surprise party for Enrollment Management employees.
“I am super proud of the professionals that we have and those that work here every day. It’s not just a job; it’s a calling for our enrollment management team and that’s why we’re here. This growth also reflects the confidence students and families place in Jones College as the place to build brighter futures,” said Smith. “More students on our campus means more opportunity not only for Jones College to expand programs and invest in resources that enhance student success, but also for our entire community. Increased enrollment strengthens the workforce pipeline, fuels economic activity, and creates more opportunities for local families to access higher education and upward mobility.”
In fact, Jones College is specifically reporting a 3.5 percent increase in enrollment in its Career and Technical programs. Topping the list for most growth with 55.6 percent is the Pharmacy Technician program. Director Tracey Parker attributes the growth to offering a hybrid program which allows students to earn their Associate in Applied Science degree online in three semesters. Also transitioning to online this year is the Childcare Technology Program which saw a 14 percent increase in enrollment. The Automotive and EMT programs have grown nearly 30 percent this fall, and the Farm Ranch Management program has almost doubled in enrollment in its first year.
“Those who earn an Associate of Applied Science degree are far more likely to remain in the region and Jones College does an exceptional job preparing graduates to succeed in the job market,” explained Smith. “But too often, those graduates take their skills out of state. The solution is to equip students with skill sets and majors that lead to high-paying, sustainable careers right here at home.”
Rising enrollment amongst college students translates to the realization of the life-changing impact that education has right here at home. For more information about the upcoming enrollment in the eight-week session in October or Jones College’s programs click on the link: https://www.jcjc.edu/