Current state and future of Columbia College “very bright”
President details initiatives in biennial address
Video clips available for media in Florida, Washington state, and throughout Missouri on an ftp site: ftp://esftp.elias-savion.com/ccmedia/AHE%20DIRECTORS/. For details, see Page 3. Additional video will be available at this site today after 4 p.m.
If you'd like, you can watch live here: http://client.stretchinternet.com/client/columbiaadmin.portal#
COLUMBIA, Mo., Sept. 15, 2011 — The state of Columbia College is strong, and the future is bright, according to President Gerald Brouder at his State of the College address given this morning in Launer Auditorium on the Columbia College campus.
“With flexibility, innovation and a great bottom line, Columbia College is thriving,” said Brouder.
Since the last address in 2009, the college has transformed itself both physically and academically. Accomplishments include a healthy operating budget of $90 million with $173 million in assets under management and an endowment nearly double what it was two years ago — the college is without debt. This has been a record year for enrollments due largely to the college’s Nationwide Campuses and explosive growth in the Online Campus. Other milestones include new undergraduate and graduate degree programs; upgraded technology; the introduction of a Division of Graduate Studies; favorable rankings by U.S. News & World Report and Geteducated.com, among others; the acquisition of Federal Hall in downtown Columbia; the announcement of five additional sports; and an extensive resume of community service.
However, Columbia College is not without challenges. The college has seen a downward trend in traditional age students but plans to reposition itself and revamp retention and marketing efforts. With 18 of its Nationwide Campuses located on military bases, the college has a close relationship with the military and will likely be affected by cuts to military tuition assistance. Increased competition in adult education offerings especially in the online sector is somewhat concerning. The college must stay on the forefront of technology to stay competitive. “Keeping up is arduous and expensive,” said Brouder. “Not keeping up is foolhardy.”
As for the future, Columbia College is set to undergo a reaccreditation review by the Higher Learning Commission in 2012, undertaken once every 10 years. The college expects a favorable report. By the next state of the college address in 2013, Brouder predicts that the college will have launched more new degrees; prepared for the occupancy of the new science building; acquired additional property; experienced a resurgence in the day program; continued to upgrade technology; and embraced a new brand.
“We are bound only by our imagination and the prudence of our judgments,” said Brouder.
After the address, the president revealed the new brand and showcased a new college logo with a flag raising ceremony on Bass Commons. The new brand highlights the college’s best attributes — real and serious about education.
The city of Columbia, as proclaimed by Mayor Bob McDavid, also recognized the day, proclaiming Sept. 15, 2011, as “Columbia College Day.”
Founded in 1851 in Columbia, Mo., Columbia College has been helping students advance their lives through higher education for more than 160 years. As a private, nonprofit, liberal arts and sciences institution, the college takes pride in its small classes, experienced faculty and quality educational programs. With more than 30 Nationwide Campuses across the country, 18 of which are on military instillations, students may enroll in day, evening or online classes. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.
Columbia College educates more than 30,000 students each year and has more than 70,000 alumni worldwide. For more information, visit www.ccis.edu.
VIDEO DETAILS
DETAILS ABOUT VIDEO: Videos are in mpeg4 format. Access is through an FTP site: ftp://esftp.elias-savion.com/ccmedia/AHE%20DIRECTORS/. Username: CCMEDIAFTP
Password: ftp0913. Additional videos will be available by 5 p.m. today on the site above.
FLORIDA
- Orlando, Fla. (Alan Hilliard)
- Jacksonville, Fla. (Gary Hall)
- Patrick Air Force Base, Florida (Dr. Jeffrey Musgrove )
CALIFORNIA
- San Deigo (Diana Schriefer)
NATIONWIDE
- Online (Ernest Wren)
WASHINGTON
- Whidbey Island (Marjean Knockey)
GEORGIA
- Fort Stewart (Richard Conroy)
ILLINOIS
- Gurnee, Ill. (Steve Stephany)
MISSOURI
- Jefferson City, Mo. (Becky Bocklage)
- Kansas City, Mo. (Cindy Miller)
- Rolla, Mo. (Dr. Greg Stratman)
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Contact:
Brandi Herrman
Associate Director
Public Relations
(573) 875-7731
blherrman@ccis.edu
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