FeedsCollege to launch long-term plans for growth
The Nov. 4 approval of the Wayne County Community College District (WCCCD) millage renewal has launched a long-term strategic growth plan.
According to college Chancellor Dr. Curtis Ivery, the school will identify critical areas, such as program development, staffing and campus improvements, expeditiously, but more importantly, right.
“We are delighted that Wayne County voters recognized the need and demonstrated support,” he said. “The district now has the critical resources it needs to help build a trained workforce for southeastern Michigan, to continue to improve student oriented facilities, broaden offerings and continue to transform lives, while helping to build stronger futures for the students, businesses and communities.”
The millage, which expires in 2021, will allow the college to plan and pre-plan, according Charles Paddock, chairman of the board of trustees.
“Had it not been approved, the board would probably have to start to look for services to cut,” he said. “Classes and programming are where the expansion will take place.”
Ivery said the economy, the need to retrain workers, plus the value of the community college helped drive the positive vote.
“There is a tremendous need in southeastern Michigan in general,” he said. “We’re uniquely situated to serve students in an important way.”
Growth of the college, which has gone from 500 students to 7,000, can be attributed to different classes, which are not just for older students, either, officials said.
“The college has grown from a primarily older student base to now when you look at it, it’s vibrant,” said Paddock. “There’s a good mix and you have so many younger students coming right out of high school.”
Another factor for securing funding is focusing on gaining re-accreditation. The college is accredited now, but that accreditation needs to be renewed every 10 years, which this millage will provide.
As for further future millage plans, a lot will depend upon the campuses, which include the western campus in Belleville, along with Taylor, Southfield and Detroit locations. Classes will be tailored to meet the market and needs of the region, like concentrating on the Aerotropolis concept for a high-tech alternative energy kind of curriculum, officials said.
“We have an unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in all our operations,” said Ivery. “This commitment will prevail as we create and implement a plan that makes us a national leader in the coming decade.”
Editor Scott Spielman contributed to this story.
