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Quality education for less at PJC, Board of Regents told

Quality education for less at PJC, Board of Regents told

Published or Revised March 24, 2015

A report from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) shows that Paris Junior College continues delivering an excellent education at great savings to students, the PJC Board of Regents heard Wednesday evening. According to the IPEDS report, PJC's annual tuition and fees is $1,428 compared to the peer group average of $2,136. The net price of attendance (tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board) compares favorably at $6,508 to $7,334. PJC has more students on some form of financial aid than peers, 84 to 66 percent, and more students receiving PELL grants at 74 to 48 percent. PJC's graduation rate is higher and the transfer-out rate meets the average. Average faculty salaries are higher but full-time equivalent staffing is lower. PJC is far more dependent than its peers on state appropriations. While other colleges receive 19 percent of their budget from local tax dollars, PJC only receives 8 percent, making the college more vulnerable to cuts. PJC also spends less per full FTE than peers nearly all core expense categories. IPEDS collects data from about 7,500 institutions, and then generates comparisons. PJC is grouped with 22 other Texas community colleges of medium size. In other business, the Regents:
  • Approved a three-year contract extension for an electric utility rate of $0.04692 per kilowatt hour. The current rate is $0.05898.
  • Approved the Investment Policy CAK (Local). The Public Funds Investment Act requires the Board of Regents approve this each year.
  • Accepted the Authorized Brokers/Dealers for Investment, which lists organizations PJC is approved to invest funds with.
  • Received a preliminary enrollment report with a head count of 4,942 students. That number is slightly above last spring's head count. Ed McCraw, dean of math and sciences, said adjustments to non-major science classes and developmental education courses had affected enrollment. Enrollment in PJC's Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology has shown improvement.
  • Approved seeking taxes owed in the amount of $8,456.27 from Paris Warehouse 107 for not meeting the terms of their tax abatement agreement from 2007.
  • Accepted the employment of Gloria Hokett as Instructor of Cosmetology effective Jan. 12; Nellie Hill as Director of Educational Opportunity Center, effective Jan. 20, and Dr. Phil Williams, as Director of Sulphur Springs Center, effective Feb. 9; the promotions/reassignments of Amanda Brannan as Staff Accountant, Kerrie Morris as Instructor of Cosmetology, and Jaci Shovan as Educational Talent Search High School Advisor; and the resignation of Educational Talent Search High School Advisor Jill Froneberger.