CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Marshalltown Community College staff are getting the campus ready for a greater number of students this year. Not only will there be a higher number of students, but those students will have more options available to them, such as esports and a returning construction program.

Hard work and planning has paid off for Marshalltown Community College. As the new school year prepares to begin on Aug. 28, the facility is greeting an increased number of students, a new career program and expanded extracurricular activities.

Iowa Valley Community College District President Kristie Fisher is proud to report at least a two percent increased number of enrolled students and credit hours. Credit hours, she said, have the biggest impact on the budget.

“We are up significantly over last year,” Fisher said. “I anticipate when we open classes that we will be well ahead of where we were last year.”

Last year between MCC and Ellsworth, there were almost 2,500 students and Fisher is confident the number for the 2023-24 school year will be higher. She said staff have been highlighting Marshalltown as a community in an effort to attract interest.

“We’ve been working really hard on enrollment, particularly on collaboration between Ellsworth and MCC,” Fisher said. “Sometimes one institution is a better fit for one student because of a major or location. So, we’re spending more time doing that. We’re located in great communities, and we are leaning into that more. So, it’s exciting to see good work from good people.”

Student life

Fisher is expecting housing to be full, as applications for the dorms are also higher. Some of the new dorm rooms capable of housing three students at a time will give an advantage due to the larger amount of requests.

“The rooms were designed to hold triples,” Fisher said. “We’re going to see a lot more activity and excitement on campus.”

Athletic team rosters are stronger, and MCC has expanded the esports program. Fisher said there has been a lot of interest in that.

“I’ve learned about what esports means to our students,” she said. “What we have found is it is driving our students to a variety of our programs, such as English because they love the stories. They have such epic stories. It’s exciting to bring more tech-savvy students. I do think in the long-term, for the high school and MCC, it will create a nice pipeline and a great niche for the community in being a leader of esports in Iowa. It’s been a great addition and has given students who didn’t have a social circle a home.”

MCC Provost Robin Shaffer Lilienthal said by expanding the esports program, students will be able to go deeper into pertaining careers.

Construction

Another great addition is the returning construction program. Fisher said MCC wanted to bring it back and help Marshalltown after speaking to employers and citizens about the lack of housing.

“It’s tough to get young people interested in that field,” she said. “My guess is we are going to keep trying new things and adjusting it to get the right mix. It will be open to adults, as well.”

Angie Redmond, MCC dean of enrollment services and student life, said when the construction program was at MCC the first time, there was not a lot of interest.

“The numbers were down, so we decided to put it on hold and focus on other programs,” she said. “We have brought it back based on the interest of the local high school students who want this dual credit.”

Shaffer Lilienthal said nine students have enrolled in the first semester of the construction program. With a maximum enrollment of 16, she is pleased with the initial outcome.

“When you start a new program, not everyone is going to be familiar with it,” she said. “Nine out of 16 slots filled is really positive for us.”

The school has partnered with local contractors to provide hands-on learning, as Shaffer Lilienthal emphasized students who enroll in technical programs really want to get hands-on experience.

The program also helps MCC in the mission to meet the needs of Marshalltown, and assist in building up a workforce. Shaffer Lilienthal said the Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce will help with identifying housing types desired in the community. According to Redmond, MCC has a strong relationship with the Chamber.

“We had a few meetings to discuss the structure of the program and how to attract individuals,” she said. “Our goal is to build the curriculum and make connections in the community for a strong program. We want to funnel students into the community to build houses and businesses.”

The construction program has two purposes, Shaffer Lilienthal said.

“The first is to teach the students the skills to use in their job, and the second is to build homes the community needs so people will move here and understand how great Marshalltown really is,” she said. “I hope it’s a win-win.”

Shaffer Lilienthal said it is not too late for anyone to register for classes, including the construction program. Financial aid is still available and advisors will talk to anyone thinking about pursuing education at MCC.

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Contact Lana Bradstream at 641-753-6611 ext. 210 or lbradstream@timesrepublican.com.