In tough times, colleges to spotlight economic ties
By CCTIMES, Published November 24, 2008

The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) is calling on its members to educate local and state officials on the important role that community colleges play in driving the economy.

At the beginning of its annual Community College Leadership Congress in New York City last month, ACCT President and CEO J. Noah Brown set the tone for the conference, which drew more than 2,000 community college trustees, presidents and leaders.

“Though we face immense challenges, trustees and presidents, you must not be deterred from your mission by the growing threat of state budget cuts that threaten the viability of community colleges,” Brown said. “Community colleges serve as economic engines, strengthening the fabric that binds our communities together—jobs.”

Brown encouraged trustees and presidents to educate their local, state and national business and political leaders so they understand how important two-year colleges are to the economy and that they can serve as an engine to economic recovery. He stressed giving lawmakers and business leaders hard data so they understand that impact:

• Eighty percent of first responders are trained and hone their skills at community colleges.
• The colleges deliver economic and workforce development at a low-cost and efficient way that gives taxpayers a $3 return for every dollar invested.
• They help generate 6 percent of annual economic growth—as much as $34.5 billion in 2006 and 2007—for communities and the nation’s economy.

Two-year colleges are also forging the skilled workforce for emerging industries.

“Community colleges are developing innovative programs to create new jobs by addressing future needs, not just current ones,” said Arthur Anthonisen, ACCT board chair and Orange County Community College (New York) trustee.

The economic downturn was threaded throughout speeches and discussions at the conference. Lynda Stanley, the immediate past ACCT chair and board chair of Brunswick Community College (North Carolina), noted that community college leaders should keep in mind the economy’s impact on their colleges’ poorest students and how critical it is for them to continue with their education.

“None of us predicted the current financial crisis. The downturn in the economy is not isolated to the U.S.—it’s a worldwide economic crisis with long-term implications that have yet to be discerned. It's more imperative as leaders, as trustees, to consider the effects of families at the bottom of the income level,” she said.

Community college leaders face stiff challenges, Brown said. Enrollment is already growing at a double-digit pace and will continue to grow as the economy worsens, straining resources at community colleges, he said.

To meet student demands, colleges will have to hire more faculty, administrators and staff, which is particularly difficult as baby boomers plan to retire in record numbers, Brown said.

Another important issue is infrastructure. Many campus facilities are aging and crumbling, requiring an infusion of $100 billion for repairs and new buildings.

It’s especially important to have a voice now as other organizations compete for scarce public resources, several college leaders noted.

“Our job is to communicate,” said Phillip Berry, board vice chair of the City University of New York. “(Lawmakers) need to know when they invest in community colleges, they are investing in national recession insurance. They need to know community colleges are key to this country’s future—economically, socially and psychosocially.”