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Edison Community College Attracts Students from Universities in
Record Numbers
Year after year, Edison Community College successfully attracts a
major share of high school graduates. It’s now making a big
impression on young students at other colleges.
Reverse transfers and summer transient students-- who
were previously enrolled at four-year institutions-- are attending
Edison in record numbers.
According to Edison President Dr. Kenneth A. Yowell, more
than 75 different four-year institutions have been represented by
students at the local community college since last summer.
“We continue to enroll one third of the college-going
high school graduates in the region,” Yowell stated.
“At the same time, our affordable cost, guaranteed
credit transfer, and high quality education are attracting four-year
college students, many of whom then stay right here and complete
two-year transfer programs.”
As a result, Edison has experienced five to 15 percent
enrollment increases for summer and fall each of the last three years.
Because the cost gap between community colleges and the
four-year institutions continues to widen, Yowell believes more
students who started bachelor’s degree studies will continue to
explore educational options at Edison.
Stacy Wannemacher from Anna took Edison
 classes
as a high school student through the Post Secondary Enrollment Options
Program (PSEOP). She then transferred these Edison credits to a large
four-year university, before returning to the local community
college.
“I was able to lighten my load back at the university.
At the same time, I conserved a few thousand dollars by taking
advantage of the PSEOP program and additional Edison classes,” Stacy
said.
“For those who need to pinch some dollars and get
caught up, summer at Edison also works,” she noted.
Meanwhile, many others, like Stephanie Romaker from
Sidney Lehman, chose fall-- not summer-- as the time to come back to
Edison. She, too, had been away at a four-year school.
“Edison’s learning environment is conducive to
success,” Stephanie said. “I enjoy classes with comfortable
enrollments of 20 or 25. At the big campuses, you can be one of 200 or
250.”
This March, Edison will again hold summer
pre-registration for four-year year college students who are home in
the area for spring break. In addition, summer and fall course
schedules are provided.
By then, many 2002 high school seniors in Shelby County will also have given Edison serious consideration as their
college choice.
Edison is one of Ohio’s most successful community
colleges at capturing a significant market share of high school
graduates from its service region. Among Shelby County high schools,
Sidney, Anna and Lehman sent Edison the most 2001 grads.
“Edison has expanded its partnerships with four-year institutions,” said Sidney HS Principal Greg Johnson. “After completing an associate degree at Edison, you can remain right there on the main campus in Piqua and finish a bachelor’s degree, too.”
In one such four-year degree completion program, Edison engineering tech grads can complete bachelor’s degrees through the University of Dayton and Cleveland State-- which will send faculty to Piqua to teach. Some classes are available online. Others will be taught via live, interactive teleconferences.
“Convenience,” Johnson added. “One more reason why more students today are picking Edison as an option.”
Release in the 2002 Sidney Progress Edition
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