[SP editorial note: This article is about potential students that are increasingly going to USA, Carey & Tulane instead of USM. For fun, compare/contrast this press release with what's going on at USM.]


MGCCC ranked in top 100

THE SUN HERALD

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been ranked in the top 100 community colleges in the country, officials announced Thursday.

The community college system is ranked 91st for the number of associate degrees it awards to students. The rankings are done by Community College Week, an education magazine.

MGCCC is the only community college in Mississippi, Alabama or Louisiana to make this year's list.

"These national rankings benchmark our efforts to establish Gulf Coast as a world-class institution," said Willis Lott, president of MGCCC. "The important thing is that we are serving more students and helping individuals and families improve their lives through education and training."

Several specific programs in the community college system also were ranked for the number of degrees awarded. The education program was ranked eighth, while the nursing program was ranked 21st. The health science program ranked 28th, and the business and management program ranked 42nd. The community college also was ranked 32nd for the number of degrees awarded to black students.

"Our position in these national rankings parallel the enrollment gains Gulf Coast has made since implementing its Strategic Plan 2000," said Colleen Hartfield, vice president of institutional relations, adding that full-time enrollment is up more than 30 percent since fall 2000.