ALAMANCE COUNTY -- Alamance Community College is seeing more new students on campus than any other community college in the Tar Heel State. The college announced that enrollment was up 6 percent for the 2015-2016 academic year.
Student Justin Brown originally went to UNC Wilmington for psychology.
"Worked in that field for a few years and realized it wasn't for me,” said Brown.
He began looking at a career change. He went through several community colleges in North Carolina before ending up at Alamance Community College.
"Realized I always wanted to do culinary,” said Brown. “I've always enjoyed cooking. It's in my family."
He's just one of the many new faces at ACC. Scott Queen, executive vice president with the college, attributes several factors to the enrollment growth.
He says the college offers more than 30 degree programs to students.
"Many students, those who want to get into skilled trades,” said Queen. “We have reputable programs in culinary arts, horticulture, computer integrated machinery."
Queen also said social media and relations with local groups has helped get their name out to prospective students. The increase in enrollment amounts to several hundred new students.
He said more growth is expected as they begin looking to the future. The school plans to build a Center of Excellence.
"That is going to be around biotechnology,” said Queen. “We're in the process of working with our local industry to discern their needs."
Queen said the ultimate plan is to double the student body to roughly 9,000 students in the future. As for Brown, he said choosing Alamance Community College hasn't left a bad taste in his mouth.
"Loved what I do,” said Brown. “I was sold, had to go here. I'm so glad I did, it's awesome."