Tonight's story on the swelling enrollments of community colleges around the country strikes a personal note with me. I attended Edison Community College in Fort Myers, Florida for two semesters in 1982-83. It was a good way to start college close to home and to take all the usual freshman introductory courses before transferring to the University of Florida for the rest of my education. As the economy soured these past two years, it seems that a great many other students -- and parents, if they're paying the tuition bills -- are discovering what the nation's 1,195 community colleges have to offer.
What's interesting is the way community colleges have responded over the years to the increased demand for their services. Many are adding classrooms and instructors and offering additional classes through the internet. Some are also evolving into full-fledged four-year institutions. For instance, my old school, now known as Edison State College, began offering a few Bachelor of Science degrees seven years ago.
As they've evolved, many former community colleges are dropping the word "community" from their name. Broward College, featured in tonight's story, was known as Broward Community College until last year. But Broward's president, J. David Armstrong, told me the school, like it's brethren around the country, will continue to adhere to the original mission of community colleges -- serving local regions with an emphasis on the specific post-secondary educational needs of those areas.
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best instructors were from Pima Community College
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You bet! Instructors are younger, and more accessible. Tennis courts are more frequently empty. Parking is closer. The commute is less jammed. Just for the name Princeton, or Duke you can still do final year of final degree at big school. With the Big University Name + $1.25 you can buy a cup of coffee.
My best instructors were from Pima Community College in Tucson, Az. What a tremendous experience to have these dedicated people deliver their knowledge with great passion and care. They had such an impact on my life that I had the opportunity many years later to give back and teach at Pima.C.C. You never know the power of one teacher (in this case several) can have on an individual. Thanks NPR for this story and I have been a fan of your show for many years. What a great crew and many thanks to your wonderful anchor Mr. Paul Kangas. The best to you all!
As an instructor at Western Nebraska Comm. College I know that local 2 year colleges have long been the absolute steal of higher education in America. Rarely in our economic system can you get such a great deal at such a reasonable price, $81/credit hour for tuition and fees for OUT OF STATE at my college. And the best part is that you are taught by people whose passion is for teaching, not for research or by a graduate assistant who you can't understand.
We have an excellent community college system in the State of Maryland which I believe originated in the late 1940's. They used to be called "Junior Colleges" but are now termed "Community Colleges." Looks like they may have to change names again according to your blog. The role of these institutions is constantly evolving. They are a great life long learning resource for students of all ages.