LBW Community College’s enrollment growth continues for spring semester, with a 14 percent increase in total number of students enrolled and the same level increase in total credit hours taken by students compared to the same semester a year ago.

“That much increase is truly phenomenal,” said LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel. “In many ways, small and large, everything we do is for student success and we are happy that increasing numbers of students are taking advantage of the educational and training opportunities provided at LBW.”

A total of 1,658 students are taking 16,713 credit hours of college courses this semester.

The continued enrollment increase during the last few semesters reflect several college initiatives, as well as increased state funding for dual enrollment programs, he said.

“In addition to improved student retention rates from fall to spring semester, we are seeing increased dual enrollment, especially in newly-established courses at Enterprise and Luverne high schools. Our faculty and staff continue efforts to grow existing programs and seek opportunities to establish new programs.”

Additional initiatives to help meet the needs of students, LBW added night classes to some of the existing technical training programs, expanded dual enrollment opportunities in Crenshaw County, and increased credit hour opportunities in Luverne, he said.

“We are also attracting students from outside the five-county service area due to available student housing in Andalusia. We now have students pursuing both academic transfer and career technical training paths taking advantage of Saints Hall, which is owned and operated by the LBWCC Foundation and accommodates up to 96 students.”