Expanded growth of JCC@Vo-Tech exceeding expectations

 

By Lonny Stewart

Staff Writer

 

Ask anyone around the JCC@Vo-Tech campus, and they’ll tell you that having an opportunity for an affordable education in their area has been a blessing. Such a blessing, in fact, students from all over Lenawee County have flocked to the new satellite location in Adrian. Since its opening in the fall of 2003, the enrollment of JCC@Vo-Tech has expanded significantly.

The expansion is due in part to JCC@Vo-Tech’s partnership with the Lenawee Intermediate School District, which is located close by the campus. Schools have made a push to promote JCC@Vo-Tech by bringing in representatives to give students free information regarding the campus and its capabilities. Combined with advertising, JCC@Vo-Tech has gained a lot of exposure in its short tenure.

“The enrollment for JCC@Vo-Tech has risen 40 percent since its opening in 2003,” Assistant Dean Michael Masters commented. “We knew we could expect some enrollment growth by partnering with the LISD, but growth of this level has been beyond anyone’s wildest imaginations.”

The growth has been so significant that JCC@Vo-Tech has had to put a cap on the number of students they could accept for the fall semester. The total expected enrollment is about 1,250 students.

Another factor of growth has been its proximity to students in Lenawee County. For many, driving to main campus wasn’t a viable option. The new location has given significant relief to students who have to drive from southern Lenawee County, and from towns such as Blissfield, Ida, and Hudson, among others.

Other factors include JCC@Vo-Tech’s size and capacity. Lenawee County had a satellite location before, but it couldn’t hold many students and the programs offered were very limited. JCC@Vo-Tech now offers about 14 programs that can be completed solely at their campus. They range from associate degrees in art or science to business administration or corrections. The degrees offered have made education accessible to recent high school graduates and non-traditional students alike.

As with any booming business, it hasn’t been without its growing pains. The unprecedented growth has made parking an issue for students at JCC@Vo-Tech. As a result, the LISD has opened up its parking lot to JCC students. “When we saw the parking situation becoming a problem, we worked with the LISD to create an overflow parking lot,” Masters said. “At this time, however, we don’t have any more plans to expand parking.”

The community at large has embraced JCC@Vo-Tech. “We have a close partnership with many schools in the area, including Adrian College and Siena Heights University. We’re actively involved in partnerships with the YMCA of Lenawee County, Area Chambers and various educational institutions,” Masters proclaimed. 

Students seem to be satisfied with JCC@Vo-Tech’s capabilities. JCC@Vo-Tech continues to expand and build on its solid foundation. Last year, they added a café to the second floor and provided televisions with sports and news for students to enjoy. “Overall, students have been quite pleased with our initiative. We listen closely to our students and weigh their opinions, concerns, and suggestions heavily into the decision-making process,” Masters commented.

“We expect even more growth in the coming years,” said Masters.