Rowan Technical College sees increased enrollment
College-entrance scores decline
Kentucky New Era
Dr. Kern Alexander's name wasn't printed on the program for the dedication of the Murray State University satellite campus, but his name was on the lips of everyone who spoke at the ceremony to celebrate the opening of the $5.26 million classroom building.
Alexander, the former MSU president whose son, Dr. King Alexander, was named as his successor last year, was the "brainchild" of the project to bring a four–year university to Hopkinsville, Sid Easley, chairman of the MSU Board of Regents, said at Monday's dedication.
"If it weren't for Kern Alexander, we wouldn't be here today," Elizabeth McCoy, another MSU regent and president of Planters Bank, said.
Kern Alexander received a standing ovation from the audience.
McCoy said Kern Alexander's "tenacity" in pushing for the project, despite resistance from state higher education officials, represents one of the keys to Hopkinsville's future economic success.
Local residents now have the opportunity to earn a four–year degree without leaving Christian County. They may complete their freshman– and sophomore–level courses at Hopkinsville Community College and then transfer to the MSU West Regional Postsecondary Education Center on Fort Campbell Boulevard.
"It's about access," McCoy said. "That's what this building represents to me."
Classes at the new facility will begin Wednesday.
About 400 students are expected to take MSU classes at the campus this fall, while approximately 140 additional students are enrolled in nine HCC classes being offered at the site.
The Georgian-style structure was completed earlier this month, a year behind the planned finish date. Incorrect installation of steel rebar in the structural walls forced the project architect, Mason and Hanger Group, to design a system of 85 steel beams that were added to strengthen the walls.
The 36,000-square-foot structure has nine classrooms, a learning resource center and a multipurpose room for university functions and community events.
"This has been a project in the making for 80 years," King Alexander said, referring to the history of MSU as a regional university for western Kentucky.
The satellite campus will be the "engine for economic growth" for Hopkinsville and the surrounding region, he said.
"This is not just a building," Kern Alexander said. "This is a new educational experience for west Kentucky."
The former MSU president said the satellite campus ties the region together and will produce the "brainpower" needed for economic success.
The MSU building will accommodate up to 1,200 students. However, Kern Alexander said he envisions a campus with several more buildings that will serve between 2,000 and 4,000 students in the future.
Currently, no other buildings are planned and funding for an expansion has not been approved by state officials. However, Easley said the site offers a glimpse of the future.
"It's wonderful to look out on that soybean field and see this rise up," Easley said.
Bonnie Rogers, HCC president, said the MSU campus will provide growth for the community college in the future.
HCC has approximately 2,000 students enrolled on its main campus on North Drive this semester. With the ability to transfer directly from HCC to the MSU Hopkinsville campus, students will experience a "seamless" transition from a two–year college to a four–year institution, she said.
MSU is currently offering degrees in elementary education, special education, criminal justice, nursing and business at the Hopkinsville campus.
At the conclusion of the dedication, MSU alumnus Bob Freeman presented a watercolor painting of the building to the university. The painting, by artist Phil Weaver, has been reproduced in 100 prints. They are being sold for $100 each at the campus.
Morehead News
For the fourth semester, Rowan Technical College is experiencing a significant growth in enrollment, according to Sandy Smallwood, dean of student affairs.
She said enrollment is over capacity in 12 of 14 programs.
"We're off to an excellent start and looking forward to continuing this growth as the semester progresses," Smallwood said.
She speculated that the economy has prompted many people to seek additional training and educational opportunities that the technical college offers.
"I believe our public awareness efforts and dual credit opportunities in which high school students are able to earn both high school and college credit have contributed to growth as well as becoming a district with Maysville Community College, having general education agreements with Morehead State University and aggressive networking with businesses and industries."
Prior to August, the school had waiting lists in every program area with the exception of one, Smallwood said.
"Although enrollment growth causes some headaches, such as cars being parked on the grass, it is very rewarding to see full classrooms and crowded hallways," she said.
Smallwood said she expects the fall enrollment to continue to climb.
"In the fall of 2000, we had a little over 300 students. By the time we complete the enrollment on our high school students, branch campus students and fire rescue, I estimate we will be well over 900 students," she said.
"The people of Rowan County and surrounding areas are fortunate to have an outstanding technical college and a regional university right in their back door," Smallwood said.
Rowan Technical College is part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. KCTCS comprises 16 districts with 26 colleges and 62 campuses, either open or under construction.
KCTCS colleges provide education and training through academic and technical associate degrees; diploma and certificate programs in occupational fields; pre-baccalaureate education; adult, continuing and developmental education; customized training for business and industry and distance learning.
For more information on Rowan Technical College, call 606-783-1538.
August 21, 2002
College-entrance scores decline
Kentucky students' average score on a college entrance exam dropped slightly this year despite more students having taken more rigorous courses.
A total of 17,274 college-bound high school seniors took college preparatory classes last year, according to data from the ACT testing company. That exceeds the 14,506 who took college-prep classes in 2000-2001.
But the average ACT score of Kentuckians dropped to 20.0 in 2002, compared with 20.1 in 2001. The test, which is required for entrance at all Kentucky public universities, is based on a 36-point scale.
The number of Kentucky students overall who took the test fell to 29,532 in 2002, from 30,084 in 2001. Usually, a drop in the number of students taking the test triggers a higher average score.
The Kentucky ACT results ''indicate we have not made the kind of progress Kentucky needs,'' said Sue Hodges Moore, acting president of the Council on Postsecondary Education.
Education Commissioner Gene Wilhoit called the results ''disheartening.''
Nationally, the average ACT score dropped to 20.8 in 2002, from 21.0 in 2001.