Florence-Darlington Technical College tops 5,000 Students

For the first time in its 45-year history, Florence-Darlington Technical College’s (FDTC’s) enrollment has topped the 5,000 mark and now stands at nearly 5,200 students, an increase of more than 16 percent over the same period a year ago. This latest increase comes on the heels of a 14 percent increase last fall.

Laverne Dixon, a freshman Automotive Technology student from Marion, recently became the 5,000th student to register for classes at Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) during the 2009 fall semester enrollment period.

“Florence-Darlington Technical College has a long history of meeting the needs of area students and improving the quality of life of Pee Dee area citizens through assisting in economic development activities and creating a quality workforce,” said FDTC President Charles W. Gould. “We are encouraged that so many area citizens have decided to pursue their higher education goals with us, and we are looking forward to continued growth in the coming years.”

“It has been gratifying to see how faculty and staff have worked together to accommodate this large influx of students,” said Dr. Gould, adding, “It has taken a concerted effort – with a lot of hard work and long hours on the part of many people –  to make this work.”

FDTC’s fall enrollment has also significantly outpaced that of the S.C. Technical College System during the past two years. FDTC’s enrollment during fall of 2008 increased at nearly a 14 per cent rate while the S.C. Technical College System as a whole increased at only a six percent rate. This fall’s 16 percent increase topped the system’s increase by seven percentage points.

This fall saw freshman enrollment at FDTC increase by 20 percent. In addition, there was a 28 per cent increase in area high school students taking dual credit courses at FDTC this fall.

“We consider this a great milestone, not just for the college but for the region as well,” said Dr. Shelley Fortin, FDTC Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services. 

She went on to say that FDTC’s enrollment will likely grow in the weeks ahead. “FDTC’s second 8-week semester begins on Oct. 12, 2009, and many new students continue to register for the classes available in that term.” she said.