Dual credit enrollment a bright spot for PJC

Published or Revised January 29, 2013

Plans are under way to increase workforce dual credit programs in area high schools, according to a report given to the Paris Junior College Board of Regents Monday evening. While spring semester dual credit enrollment is good, general enrollment is down. According to PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin, the largest single factor appears to be the lack of student loans. Due to high default rates, PJC had to stop awarding student loans or risk losing federal financial aid. "Times are just very, very hard," Dr. Anglin said. "And it's hard for our students, inexpensive as we are, it's still very hard for our students if they don't have Pell grants." PJC is working with local high schools to develop workforce dual credit programs for next fall. In other business, the Regents:

• Received a good financial report, though taxes are coming in slower than at this time last year.
• Gave annual approval to the investment policy currently in place, as required by the Public Funds Investment Act.
• Heard a report on a request from the City of Paris to donate funds from auctioned properties with delinquent taxes. PJC was approached about donating PJC's portion to the city, but after review by Dr. Anglin and PJC Board President Curtis Fendley, they find there is no provision in law allowing for that.
• Selected Ginna Walker Bowman to attend the Achieving the Dream's Board of Regents Institute in Santa Fe, N.M. In the event she cannot attend, Daigone Garner was chosen as alternate.
• Heard a report on current legislation that could affect PJC. Senate Bill 1, as introduced, would cut $894,000 per year from PJC's funding for the next two years. Other legislative concerns include doing away with the bacterial meningitis shot waiver and allowing concealed carry of guns on campus.
• Approved the hiring of Director of Information Technology David Nichols, effective Jan. 8, 2013.