Record enrollment for Iowa Western

COUNCIL BLUFFS -- Iowa Western Community College reported record enrollment numbers for the fall semester, continuing a trend of impressive growth at the college.

The college reported 6,114 full- and part-time students for the fall semester, which began Aug. 17, up from the 5,642 students reported in fall 2008. Iowa Western, which also reported an 11 percent increase in credit hours for fall 2009, has seen its enrollment increase more than 25 percent in the last five years.

In credit hour production, Iowa Western reported 65,353 total credit hours, up from 58,617 in fall 2008.

"We are pleased that so many students are choosing Iowa Western as a place to begin their college careers," said IWCC President Dan Kinney. "We will continue to work hard at providing a high-quality educational experience for our growing student population."

Iowa Western campuses and centers reported the following credit hours and percentage increases: Council Bluffs campus, 53,305 credit hours (13 percent increase); Clarinda campus, 3,445 (14 percent); Shelby County Center, Harlan, 662 (17 percent); Cass County Center, Atlantic, 1,403 (19 percent); Page/Fremont County Center, Shenandoah, 882 (173 percent).

A large number of online learners have contributed to the sharp increase at the centers, according to IWCC enrollment services.

Two major construction projects are under way at Iowa Western, which will help meet the growing demand. Construction is scheduled to be completed in April 2010 on a new $12 million student center, library and culinary arts facility.

The college opened another phase of its Reiver Suites housing complex in July, making available 72 additional units on the east side of campus. Another 144 units will be opened in time for the fall 2010 semester.