Del Mar College enrollment explodes

While fall enrollment has stagnated or even dropped at community college campuses across Texas, the number of students signing up to attend Del Mar College is off the charts. Del Mar president Mark Escamilla presented actual charts to prove that point at a media conference held just before the Oct. 11 meeting of the college board of regents. 
The 12,034 students enrolled in credit courses this semester surpasses the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s projection by nearly 16 percent and exceeds state projections through 2025.
Another milestone-indicating chart showed an increase in annual enrollment in Continuing Education courses of more than double rates since the 2011-12 academic year. This figure includes the Workforce Training courses and certifications that are vital in preparing students for employment in local industries.
One of those students, U.S. Marine Corps veteran Julio Wilmot, spoke about his personal experience at Del Mar College and how the faculty and staff there have helped him make a  major career change. Wilmot enrolled in the fast-track process technology and instrumentation program. 
“As a veteran entering the job market, I realized a person can find themselves hired and fired from a company all too soon because of a lack of education and a drop in the oil market,” Wilmot said at the media conference. “Companies want people who are willing to work smarter, not necessarily harder. I decided to improve my education at Del Mar.” 
As a father with a full-time job while going to school full time, Wilmot chose the fast-track program, which was designed by the college for students just like him. The program includes a simulator and hands-on training, all of which is coordinated with local industries to provide the skills they need. 
“I was recently invited for testing by a local company,” Wilmot said. “I’m excited about completion of my training and my entrance into the job market. This program is a good tool for anyone looking for a career in process technology.”
Another student, Marjorie Bryant-Sparrow, came to Del Mar after her third and youngest child started school. She recently won a statewide debate contest on behalf of Del Mar. Considered a non-traditional student because of age and position in life, Bryant-Sparrow did not graduate from high school but has a GED. 
“Our professors teach real-world operations,” she said. “Staff members teach us real applications in life like how to solve problems in an institution. These people are treasures in our community and should be valued as such.” 
She told how Del Mar staff had to find the hard copy of her 1985 GED because the state of Texas failed to record it digitally. 
“Del Mar college employees go above and beyond,” she said.
Staff and professors were credited time and again by each speaker for the extra effort put into enrollment and student care. Praise also came for finding places to put the additional 2,000-plus students who enrolled this year. 
“Finding core courses with available seats became a challenge,” said Beth Lewis, Ph.D., provost and vice president for academic affairs. “When professors were asked to add a chair or two to a class, they sometimes had to literally go find more chairs. When we filled every class, we added classes and had to scramble for new adjunct faculty.” 
Del Mar is now at 97-100 percent classroom capacity, a 101.5 percent increase over a five-year period.
“To all our employees going that extra mile, I want to say thank you,” Escamilla said. “That is what has made the difference. With that kind of heart and desire, and students like these two, nothing can stop us.”