Achieving the Dream (ATD) today announced North Central State College has earned Leader College of Distinction status for achieving higher student outcomes and narrowing equity gaps. It is one of only eleven colleges in the inaugural group receiving this honor.
“The metrics ATD established for Leader College of Distinction are meant to encourage colleges to sustain aggressive efforts that result in far greater student success and equity,” said Dr. Karen A. Stout, president and CEO of Achieving the Dream. “The honor recognizes Network colleges that have stayed focused on the change process and seen real improvements in student achievement across the institution.”
Dr. Dorey Diab, president of NC State appreciates the effort this award represents, “We have dozens of people who work with students each day to make sure they are ready to continue pursuing their dream of a college education. We strive to be proactive and supportive for each student. That’s what this award represents -- the hard work by our students as well as the hard work of our faculty and staff in support of those efforts.”
Leader College of Distinction showed improvement on three student outcome metrics, including at least one lagging indicator such as completion. ATD assessed the college on how incoming students in the fall (dual credit excluded) performed within a certain time frame compared to earlier groups of incoming fall students. NC State also provided data on progress among subgroups--gender, race/ethnicity, income status, prior college experience and college-ready in math/English at entry. The metrics are:
A. Completion of college-level math and/or English increased significantly over the last three years. The college has dramatically streamlined the traditional developmental education sequence, shaving multiple semesters of work previously required for students to reach college-level status. Incoming students’ completion of gateway math and English within a year of enrollment has increased from 26% for the fall 2014 group to 50% for the fall 2017 group. Also, every subgroup increased by double-digit percentages over three years.
B. Courses attempted/completed with a C- or higher grade also increased significantly over the last three years. The college has implemented numerous strategies at scale, both in and out of the classroom, to improve course success. These range from mandatory orientation and first-year experience courses, to embedded tutors in all developmental and gateway classes, to financial aid strategies encouraging full-time enrollment. The average credits completed in one year has risen from 12.0 for the fall 2014 group to 15.5 for the fall 2017 group. The course completion rate for incoming students rose from 76% to 81%. Every subgroup increased in both of these categories.
C. The number of students completing a certificate or degree within four years also increased. Advising strategies to improve entering students’ experiences are now contributing to improved graduation rates. Doubling the college’s advising resources has also contributed to the improvement in graduation rates--from 19% for the Fall 2011 group to 24% for the Fall 2014 group, with improvements in nearly every subgroup.
Diab continued, “Becoming a Leader College of Distinction is a huge honor for NC State. We are one of eleven colleges in the nation to receive this honor. We will continue our efforts to increase the success of our students. Because their success will allow them to become productive, engaged adults with rewarding careers. That is a positive outcome for our entire region.”
ATD created the Leader College of Distinction award in 2018. Leader Colleges of Distinction have their own identity as part of the ATD Network, including a new logo. Leader Colleges of Distinction also will receive priority to participate in ATD’s innovation initiatives. They will be asked to present and facilitate more sessions at ATD events and institutes and asked to serve as mentor colleges.