07/25/07

Lake Michigan College Announces Accomplishments

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - In a report to the Board of Trustees during its July meeting, Lake Michigan College President Dr. Randall R. Miller summarized the College's achievements of the previous 18 months from January 2006 through June 2007.

Among the notable accomplishments outlined by Dr. Miller were advancements in academic programming, student achievement, community service, development and new programming.

"Lake Michigan College proudly continues to serve its students and the region by assessing and meeting a wide range of needs," stated Dr. Miller. "As a community college, we serve a broad array of constituents. We take very seriously that it is our mission to provide for the educational and occupational goals of our students and the community while meeting the needs for cultural and community-service advancements."

In an effort to address the rising need for a skilled health care workforce, Miller noted the completion of the College's state-of-the-art Nursing Education Center. With the assistance of accelerated health care grants, the College graduated a record number of registered nursing students in 2007 and has expanded the number of students it admits into the program. Focusing on the radiological technology program, Miller stated that the new accelerated health care grant will also allow for improvements in this program.

The academic success of LMC students continued to rise to high-quality levels with many students winning statewide and national recognition for excellence in their area of study. Transfer reports from Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University show that LMC graduates have higher grade point averages than other transfer students and students who begin their college education at those institutions. Nursing and radiologic technology graduates demonstrated a higher first-pass rate on licensure examinations than the national averages.

Through continued growth of its partnership with Western Michigan University, LMC created new courses and associate degree programs specifically designed for new bachelor degree offerings at WMU in the areas of engineering, business administration and elementary education.

Miller commented on the College's service to the community and efforts to advance existing programs. Three of LMC's TRiO grant programs - Educational Talent Search, Educational Opportunity Center and Upward Bound - were renewed by the U.S. Department of Education for continued funding. These programs provide services to promote student academic success along with college entry or transfer assistance to low income and/or first generation students.

In reviewing LMC's commitment to business and industry, Miller stated that the Workforce Training Institute was launched in order to provide an expanded line-up of course offerings in continuing education. In working with companies in the three-county region, the College produced the highest volume of contracts for worker training since September 2001.

LMC Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Silcox summarized the College's outreach and influence on the region. "Lake Michigan College's programs and services not only impact student success, but the vitality of local business, the region's economy and quality of life," he said. "The Board appreciates the work of the College's faculty and staff in helping to advance the people, communities and businesses of our area."