Angelina College Reports Enrollment Surge and New Initiatives

Angelina College’s board of trustees convened on November 6, 2023, to discuss the institution’s progress, including significant enrollment increases and new academic initiatives. The meeting, led by board vice president Joey Garza, highlighted the successful launch of the college’s ReUp Education initiative, which has seen 382 students reenroll and five graduates since its inception in spring 2023.

During the meeting, Krista Brown, the college’s vice president, delivered an annual report for the student services department. She introduced the new head baseball coach, Jon Phillips, while the new softball coach, Kassie James, and the new women’s basketball coach, Addie Lees, could not attend due to team commitments. Brown noted an overall enrollment increase of 4.6% in credit classes compared to the previous year.

The ReUp Education initiative aims to motivate former students who did not complete their degrees to return to college. Since launching, it has proven effective, with 382 students reenrolling and five achieving graduation. Additionally, a new application introduced on September 1 has addressed issues with automated registrations, improving the enrollment process.

In an effort to enhance student engagement and support, Angelina College expanded its “Friday Night Lights” scholarship program to include selected home games of local teams such as the Diboll Lumberjacks and the Huntington Red Devils. Financial aid recipients have increased by 18.8% from the previous year, with 142 veterans currently enrolled. Furthermore, 317 students are benefitting from the first-year free tuition program in partnership with Stephen F. Austin State University, marking a 2% increase from the last academic year.

A new marquee sign has been installed at the college’s athletic complex, and plans are underway to upgrade athletic facilities. The men’s basketball team made headlines by reaching the NJCAA “Elite Eight” last year, with J.J. Montgomery, the head coach and athletic director, receiving commendation for his leadership. The athletic department also launched a revamped website, angelinaathletics.com, and celebrated a graduation rate of 91% among sophomores in the department.

Board members raised questions regarding enrollment trends. Brown credited the ReUp partnership and the efforts of enrollment manager Casey Gerard for the positive turnout. However, she confirmed that enrollment numbers have not yet returned to pre-COVID pandemic levels. In response to a query about dual-credit enrollment, Angela Johnson, head of AC’s dual-credit programs, indicated that there is still potential for growth.

President Dr. Simon provided a report on Title IX issues during the previous academic year, noting that out of two complaints, one was withdrawn and another is under investigation. Additionally, Andrea Barrett presented the college’s Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), which has undergone substantial redesign to enhance student engagement. The first-year experience course now includes eight modules where students complete tasks instead of traditional quizzes. This year, 43% of first-year students are enrolled in the pilot program.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges no longer mandates QEPs, yet Simon expressed the institution’s commitment to maintaining quality education. He praised the thoroughness of the QEP report and acknowledged the contributions of Barrett and vice president Tim Ditoro.

The board unanimously approved several items, including the minutes from the previous meeting, the purchase of a portable X-ray machine funded by Perkins Grant money, and the implementation of annual evaluations for tenured faculty. They also resolved to pay off the library construction loan following the discontinuation of a Title V grant.

After entering an executive session from 18:15 to 19:22, the board approved the entire consent agenda, which included financial and investment reports, personnel recommendations, and the scheduling of the next official meeting on December 10 at noon. The meeting concluded at 19:29.