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UCC Enrollment Soars; Highest Percentage Increase in the State of Oregon

students on campus

ROSEBURG, Ore., Nov. 19, 2024 — Umpqua Community College’s fall 2024 full-time enrollment is above last year’s values by over 25%. This percentage surpasses pre-pandemic enrollment levels from fall 2019 and has the highest percentage increase in the State of Oregon out of all community colleges.

The growth is attributed to several key factors, including an increase in student headcount in a variety of subject areas such as business, medical careers, sciences, and automotive. Additionally, there has been an increase in community members taking enrichment classes and workforce training.

“We are excited that our region trusts the college to give them the education they need to fill high-skill, high-wage jobs right here in Douglas County. We are working hard to innovate and provide the very best services to all members of our community,” said Dr. Rachel Pokrandt, president of UCC.

In the past year, UCC launched new degrees and certificates in the fields of advanced manufacturing, water quality, business, social work and allied health. 

Success Stories from Umpqua Community College

Sydney Miele standing and smiling in front of a Foley & Lardner LLP office sign, where she works as a legal assistant after graduating from UCC's Paralegal program.
Success Stories

From Uncertain to Unstoppable — How Sydney Miele Built Her Paralegal Career with UCC

From uncertain to unstoppable – this is how Sydney Miele built her legal career with UCC . . .
When Sydney Miele entered the Paralegal program at UCC, she didn’t know which direction she wanted to take. “Going into the program, I wasn’t completely set on what I wanted to do exactly in the legal field. I was leaning toward being a paralegal or maybe even like a law clerk… maybe doing a couple years of law school.”

Three family members in green graduation caps and gowns hold hands outside the Ford Nursing Science Center, celebrating their UCC nursing graduation together.
Success Stories

From Patients to Providers, One Family Finds Their Path to Nursing at UCC

When you’re a patient in the hospital, there are days when your strength fades and it feels easier to give up. Often, it’s a nurse who helps you find hope again. The Newell and Robbins family knows this experience well. All four siblings spent extended time in hospitals and saw firsthand the difference a compassionate nurse can make. “We had a front-row seat to the impact of good nursing.

Success Stories

Welding for My Son: Resilience Through Education

When Gabriella Spencer moved to Roseburg, she never dreamed she would have her GED, let alone be in a two-year welding program. “I left a bad situation in Ohio, and I came here with nothing. I was in a homeless shelter with my son, who was just entering first grade. He was still in that place where he didn’t want to go to school. He wanted to stay at home with mommy all day and play, and I’m trying to explain the importance of education. While I’m doing this, I’m thinking, I’ve never even gotten my GED.”