Davidson-Davie Community College sees significant growth, welcomes students for fall semester

With the significant growth this semester, Jenny Varner, president of Davidson-Davie, notes that more students on campus (and online) means the instructors and staff are more than prepared for whatever comes their way these first days of class – answering questions, giving directions and offering help.

“This first day of class always generates excitement on campus. Students are eager to meet instructors and classmates, and discover what lies ahead for the semester,” Varner says. “Ultimately, we know this first day can sometimes become stressful, but our instructors and staff members are always on hand to meet the needs of each and every student who walks on campus. We want their educational journey with us to be a happy and successful one, so we make sure we’re with them from day one.”

Varner adds that with the increase in enrollment, the college is seeing significant growth in certain areas of study, including welding, up 16 percent from last fall and cosmetology, up 10 percent from last fall. Enrollment in social and human services has grown by 64 percent thanks to the addition of certificate and degree pathways in child advocacy studies.

“Davidson-Davie has wait lists to gain entrance into welding and cosmetology, and that is a solid indication to us that these are the types of careers that are not only in demand, but are needed in our community,” Varner says. “Also, our career paths in social and human services serve a broad spectrum in our community and beyond. The new child advocacy studies option has especially opened doors to many new students.”

In addition to the ongoing popularity of health and advanced manufacturing programs, the college continues to see a growing number of high school students interested in dual-enrollment options, such as Career and College Promise (CCP).

Varner notes the overall increase in enrollment in these program areas only adds to the buzz on campus. “We are ready to see what this year brings for all of our students.”

Davidson-Davie Community College (www.DavidsonDavie.edu), which incorporated Davie County into its name in 2021, is a fully accredited, multi-campus college where students of all ages and backgrounds pursue academic and career-focused education in order to build successful futures. As one of 58 institutions within the North Carolina Community College System, Davidson-Davie offers more than 40 degree and professional certificate programs, as well as affordable college-credit coursework to students who plan to transfer to four-year schools. With a mission to serve the changing needs of students competing in a global environment, Davidson-Davie is committed to quality education, innovative and equitable learning experiences, training, and support across a wide range of 21st-century career fields.