When the economy takes a turn for the worst, colleges fill up. The Piedmont Virginia Community College is no exception.
In fact, PVCC announced today that the fall 2008 semester enrollment of 4,874 was the highest in the college’s 36-year history, an increase of 200 students over last year and 423 more than 2006.
But providing those students with a quality education becomes more difficult, as Gov. Kaine is cutting $139 million more from this year’s budget and $230 million more from next year’s. PVCC’s state funding will be cut by 10 percent.
“Ironically, our record enrollment growth comes at a time when the College is bracing for another round of state cuts for fiscal year 2009-2010,” said PVCC President Frank Friedman. “It is becoming increasingly difficult to serve more students with less funding.”
Finding class space for the increased number of students has been a challenge. Some classes have used rooms where the College Board usually holds meetings.
PVCC broke ground on the Kluge-Moses Science Building in October. It will open in 2010.
