Davidson- Davie Community College welcomes fall students in increasing numbers
Students were more than ready to get to work after an incredibly hot summer, arriving in increasing numbers at Davidson-Davie Community College for the first week of classes. The college is seeing significant growth, ushering in a total of 4,214 students taking curriculum courses – up 12 percent from last year and 24 percent from the fall of 2021. Helping kick off the semester were members from the Student Government Association, who hosted a “Welcome Back” event, greeting students with “Welcome Back Packs” as they entered campus on Monday and Tuesday.
With the significant growth this semester, Jenny Varner, president of Davidson-Davie, notes that more students on campus (and online) means the instructors and staff are more than prepared for whatever comes their way these first days of class, answering questions, giving directions and offering help.
“This first day of class always generates excitement on campus. Students are eager to meet instructors and classmates, and discover what lies ahead for the semester,” Varner says. “Ultimately, we know this first day can sometimes become stressful, but our instructors and staff members are always on hand to meet the needs of each and every student who walks on campus. We want their educational journey with us to be a happy and successful one, so we make sure we’re with them from day one.”
Varner adds that with the increase in enrollment, the college is seeing significant growth in certain areas of study, including welding, up 16 percent from last fall and cosmetology, up 10 percent from last fall. Enrollment in social and human services has grown by 64 percent thanks to the addition of certificate and degree pathways in child advocacy studies. “Davidson-Davie has wait lists to gain entrance into welding and cosmetology, and that is a solid indication to us that these are the types of careers that are not only in demand, but are needed in our community,” Varner says. “Also, our career paths in social and human services serve a broad spectrum in our community and beyond. The new child advocacy studies option has especially opened doors to many new students.”
In addition to the ongoing popularity of health and advanced manufacturing programs, the college continues to see a growing number of high school students interested in dual-enrollment options, such as Career and College Promise (CCP). Varner notes the overall increase in enrollment in these program areas only adds to the buzz on campus. “We are ready to see what this year brings for all of our students.”
