Colleges increasing appeal, enrollment

Ottawa’s two colleges — Ottawa University and Neosho County Community College — have made good strides in the areas of enrollment, facilities and programs, and their futures look strong, officials said.

Scott Miller, manager of communications at Ottawa University, said one significant step the university has taken in recent years is enrollment.

New enrollment jumped by 122 students in 2006 to 220 students in 2007, he said.

“That’s good progress in that area,” he said, adding that the number of inquiries from potential students also has increased.

Miller said OU should continue to be mindful of student retention, ensuring that once students decide to come to the university, they stay for the full four years.

One new program that focuses on that area, he said, is TLC, which stands for Trusting, Listening and Coaching, and pairs students with alumni and other leaders.

In the area of facilities, Miller cited People’s Bank Field as one recent boost to OU’s athletic program. He said the field is a great facility for the athletes, and it’s an amenity that can attract students to the university.

“It’s not something that many schools offer,” he said.

Miller said the university also has expanded its professional studies program and its online division to where students can earn a degree completely online.

“Online learning is the way of the future,” he said.

Like OU, Neosho is building up its online offerings, Sara Harris, assistant dean of Ottawa’s campus, said. She said the college has expanded its courses to the point that a student can obtain an associate’s degree online.

An online program especially appeals to students with children and jobs who may not have the time to pursue a traditional program, she said.

In addition to attracting non-traditional students, Neosho is doing more to serve traditional students, too, Harris said.

She said the college may add more certificate programs and more allied health programs in the future.

“We’re always looking for ideas,” she said.

Looking to the future, Harris said Neosho would be greatly enhanced with the proposed community center.

“If we get the new community center, we really believe that in itself will bring a lot of increased enrollment,” she said.

In addition to boosted enrollment, the center will bring opportunities for expanded programs and a campus feel for Neosho, as well as more opportunities for all the partners involved, Harris said.

“All of that energy in one place is really exciting,” she said.

Herald staff writer Jodie Garcia can be e-mailed at jgarcia@ottawaherald.com.