08.13.08
Posted in Front page, news at 2:10 pm by Eric
Enrollment at Chemeketa Community College grew by more than 11 percent during the 2007-08 academic year.
The number of individuals taking a class from the Chemeketa grew from 64,269 to 71,636. While enrollment in traditional classes grew by 11.1 percent, most of the growth took place online. Online classroom enrollment grew by 18.6 percent.
“It’s a sign of the tough economic times and the complexities of people’s lives”, said Cheryl Roberts, Chemeketa president. “With fuel costs and prices for other necessities on the rise, it’s no surprise to find enrollment in our online courses growing by leaps and bounds,” Roberts said. “Fortunately, we’re already discussing ways to expand online offering and examine alternative on-campus class scheduling while putting an emphasis on meeting the changing needs of our student body.”
Chemeketa’s student body grew by more than 1,200 students between winter and spring terms, an increase of approximately 4.5 percent. It was the fourth consecutive quarter that enrollment grew.
“It is always a challenge to meet the new demands placed on community colleges when the country’s economy falters, but the residents of our service area renewed their support for the Chemeketa promises at the ballot box. With their continued support there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome,” said Roberts.
In May, voters approved a $92 million bond levy that will be used to construct new facilities and update older ones to better serve and support Chemeketa students. Planning for the facilities – which include a health sciences complex in Salem, a public safety training facility in Brooks and a new McMinnville campus – is already underway.
During economic downturns, community colleges are often the primary resource for job hunters seeking training or new skills in trades and industry, computer technology and business administration, among other programs.
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08.07.08
Posted in High School, Middle school, news at 9:54 am by Eric
Chemeketa Community College’s TRiO Talent Search program is now accepting new applicants.
The program is designed to provide a path for middle and high school students into higher education through college visits and time with mentors and staff who assist students in applying for college scholarships and financial aid. The program is funded through a federal grant and assists low income-youths, attending grant schools, whose parents have not attained a four-year degree. Students with other backgrounds are considered based on rural isolation.
Students from North Salem, McKay, Gervais and Santiam high schools, and Parrish, Houck, Stephens, Waldo, Gervais and Mill City Middle Schools are eligible to apply.
Contact Susan McCaffrey at 503-589-7620 to request an application, or download one online at http://www.chemeketa.edu/services/services/cap/resources.html.
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08.05.08
Posted in Front page, Sports, news at 8:00 am by Eric
Lynn Freshour recently joined Chemeketa Community College as its new women’s basketball coach.
Freshour most recently served as athletic director at North Salem High School, but the chance to return to coaching was too tempting to pass up.
“Coaching at the college level has always been a dream of mine,” said Freshour. “It’s also an exciting time to be part of Chemeketa as we head in new directions under President Cheryl Roberts.”
Athletic scholarships provided by Chemeketa should help attract some of the area’s top talent, and Freshour sees talent as key to his plans.
“I want to build a Chemeketa dynasty within the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges,” he said. “The high schools in our area produce fantastic players who have the skill to take Chemeketa to the top of the division.”
Freshour is a former coach of girls basketball teams at North Salem and West Salem high schools. As head coach at Amity High School, Freshour led nine girls basketball teams to the state tournament.
Cassie Belmodis, Chemeketa athletic director, is eager to see Freshour’s vision come to life on the court.
“He brings an excitement and passion to the game of basketball that we are sure, will carry over to the women’s basketball program. His years of success and experience as a coach, athletic director, and involvement in community sports will be an asset to his team and the Storm Athletic Department,” she said.
Women’s basketball is one of several athletic programs at Chemeketa that include women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s basketball, baseball and softball. Chemeketa’s sports programs have retained more than 95 percent of their athletes for two years, 90 percent continue their education at four-year institutions.
For more information about the women’s basketball program, contact Freshour at 503-399-5053, or Cassie Belmodis at 503.399.5159 or cassieb@chemeketa.edu.
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08.04.08
Posted in Front page, news at 9:07 am by Eric
Chemeketa Community College President Cheryl Roberts received a unanimous vote of confidence from the school’s Board of Education at its latest meeting Wednesday, July 30.
Board members rated Roberts on her education planning and leadership, management style, business and finance, and relationships with constituents, the community and college personnel as part of its annual performance review.
“I am privileged to serve as president of a college who takes seriously its promise to this community of transforming lives through education. It’s a relief to know I’ve performed to the standards expected of me and I thank the board members for the objectivity in the evaluation,” said Roberts.
Ron Pittman, chair of the Board of Education, cited Roberts for her ability to project a vision for Chemeketa’s future and for the implementation of the Chemeketa Scholars program. Under the Chemeketa Scholars program, graduating high school students with a grade point average of 3.5 or better are awarded two years of free tuition.
She was commended for leadership in garnering support for the college’s recent bond measure and given an overall rating of “excellent.” Roberts’ is completing her first year as Chemeketa president.
“It has been an extraordinary year, and I am keenly aware of all the people who contributed to our success,” Roberts said. “I especially appreciate that our achievements were based on decades of excellent work by past and present staff and board members, and I look forward to continuing to build on their legacy.”
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