Terra State starts semester with several administrative changes

FREMONT — Sarah Ferguson was hired in July to be an academic enrollment adviser for students attending Terra State Community College.

Before she became an academic adviser, Ferguson worked in health care as a registered radiology technologist.

“I’m excited to see how [the fall semester] plays out.” Ferguson said. “[Working in education] is something I’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”

Ferguson's new job is among several administrative and faculty changes have taken place around the Terra State campus in recent months.

“In the faculty area we lost about one or two faculty. But we’ve easily replaced them,” Terra State’s President Ron Schumacher said, adding, “Only one loss on the leadership team.”

Garien Hudson left for job at Ohio State University

Schumacher referenced Garien Hudson, who resigned as the vice president of student affairs and enrollment services in March to take a position at the Ohio State University.

Other administrative changes have included the promotion of Cory Stine to senior vice president of innovation and strategic planning.

Stine had been promoted from executive director of the Terra College Foundation at the end of May.

He was replaced at the foundation by Jennifer Fehnrich.

The promotions of Stine and Fehnrich, along with the addition of Ferguson, were all administrative changes that took place during Terra State’s summer semester, when fewer students were enrolled.

“It’s been a pretty empty office,” Ferguson said. “It’s nice to finally have a little bit of noise.”

Most faculty came back on campus during the week of Aug. 15, while the fall semester started Aug. 22.

Terra State hosted social events for incoming students

Throughout the week, Terra State hosted social events for incoming students including a scavenger hunt, music, food trucks, and an ice cream social.

Student organizations will be arranging meetings during the first few weeks of the semester after most of them took a break for the summer.

Ferguson expressed her eagerness at the prospect of becoming involved with student organizations.

“Once registration settles down and the semester starts, I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone has to offer and see what organizations there are and if I can help out in any way.” Ferguson said.

When she attended college, Ferguson realized how much she enjoyed education.

“When I was in my associate's and bachelor's program, I worked in student records as a student worker. It was something that I absolutely fell in love with,” she said.

During the pandemic, Terra State experienced a decline in registration numbers. But Schumacher said the college's enrollment numbers have rebounded in the past year and is up 12% compared to the same time last year.

The Terra State president said the college's 2022 fall semester would feature no COVID-related restrictions on campus.

“We’re planning on opening up as normal and being in-person.” Schumacher said, adding that masks will not be required on campus.

Slight bump in enrollment over 2021 and 2020

As of Aug. 16, Terra State had 1,836 students enrolled for the fall semester, a slight increase over the same time period in 2021 and 2020.

The college reported a full-time equivalent student number (FTE) of 497.71, slightly behind 2021's total on the same date.

The college's goal is to enroll 2,218 students, with a FTE student number of 563.3, for the fall 2022 semester.

“People are starting to want to go back into classes rather than having to stay home.” Ferguson said. “I think a lot of people are ready to pursue their degree and are ready to take the leap.”

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Terra State enters semester with new administrative changes