Data reported by colleges across the country show increases in student enrollment over figures from previous years.

Jefferson Davis Community College has seen those same increases with a large number of classes filling quickly this semester.

David Jones, dean of student services at JDCC, said the increases seen in recent sessions are typical considering the current state of the economy.

“Education always prospers in a slow economy,” Jones said. “We are reaping the benefits of the economy right now with an increase in our enrollment.”

Jones said current enrollment shows about 1,400 students taking classes at the college, which offers academic and technical courses on two campuses.

The current enrollment is similar to numbers shown in previous semesters, however current enrollment is showing an increase in the credit hours being taken.

“We are showing an enrollment of about 1,400 students so far this semester,” Jones said. “That may fluctuate a little through the drop and add period. We are certainly seeing more students attending classes for more credit hours.”

Jones said one indication that the economy may be stimulating education is the speed in which many classes are filled.

“We have a lot of classes that closed early,” Jones said. “When a class closes that means the class is full. We had a lot of classes offered to close earlier than usual simply because more people were taking classes.”

Jones said the classes that filled the fastest were technical classes typically offered on the Atmore campus.

“Most of our technical classes are closed already,” Jones said. “Our technical classes have seen a steady increase over the past year and half. Those classes are filling up a lot sooner than some of our other classes.”

Jones said the demand for technical classes has continued to increase over that period of time.

“The economy may have a lot to do with why people are interested in our technical courses,” Jones said. “There is big demand for technical skills and people are getting on board with that and seeking out training and education in those technical fields.”

Although Jones said class offerings are usually sufficient to meet the needs of enrolled students, some classes are being added to the schedule.

“With the increased enrollment we are making some adjustments to meet the needs of our students,” Jones said. “We have added some classes to our schedule to accommodate students and their needs.”

Jefferson Davis Community College operates campuses in Brewton and Atmore offering academic and technical training programs for students of all ages.

The institution is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees. Financial aid is available for all courses offered at the two-year institution.

For additional information concerning class offerings at Jefferson Davis Community College, visit their Web site at www.jddd.edu or contact them at 867-4832 in Brewton or 368-8118 in Atmore.