In a final report to the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), Chattanooga State Community College posted that 10, 401 individuals were enrolled in college credit classes for the fall 2010 semester.  This figure represents an unduplicated headcount of registered students.  When compared to the fall 2009 number, the 2010 headcount total confirms a 10.3% increase.  Chattanooga State also reports that the number of full-time students (FTEs), those who attend class on a full-time basis, is 6,698.  This total indicates an 11.9% increase over the number of FTEs reported in the fall 2009 and is largest FTE increase of any community college in Tennessee. Chattanooga State estimates that an additional 2,200 students are enrolled annually in the specialized, technical programs offered through the Tennessee Technology Center. 

Dr. James Catanzaro, president of Chattanooga State, referenced the economy as well as community-wide attention on higher education as two factors that are influencing the fall enrollment surge.  "When faced with a struggling economy and high unemployment, individuals focus on retraining for new careers,” says Catanzaro.  “In today’s ever-changing, global economy, obtaining a college degree is essential because employers need workers who highly‐skilled, technologically‐astute, and well‐educated.”

According to Dr. Elaine Swafford, vice president for Student Affairs, a customer-focused recruitment strategy also attributed to enrollment growth.  “Recruiting students is a dynamic process,” said Dr. Swafford.  “Our fall enrollment numbers are evidence that our recruiting initiatives are effective and that the community values Chattanooga State as a resource for viable career-building opportunities.”

For more information about Chattanooga State Community College and its educational programs, call the Chattanooga State information hotline at 423.697.4404 or toll free at 1.866.547.3733 or visit the college’s Web site at www.chattanoogastate.edu.

Chattanooga State Community College is a comprehensive, regionally accredited community college, operated under the policies and guidelines of the Tennessee Board of Regents College System.  Founded in 1965 and serving a six-county area in Southeast Tennessee, Chattanooga State offers a wide array of programs and services.