Each year, the NC Community College System measures eight performance indicators from the 58 community colleges. The eight measures include the progress of basic skills students; passing rates on licensure and certification for first-time test takers; performance of college transfer students; passing rates in developmental courses; student satisfaction of completers and non-completers; curriculum student retention, graduation, and transfer; and client satisfaction with customized training.

Surry Community College met all eight of the performance standards identified by the NC Community College System and is ranked as an exceptional community college for the 2009-10 year. SCC President Dr. Deborah Friedman said, “The results of this report indicate the continued success of our students in a number of important academic areas. Even in times of limited resources, our employees continue to remain focused on our mission. We are serving the citizens of our communities today, so that they can achieve their educational goals for a better tomorrow.”

Progress of basic skills students improved from 85 percent in last year’s report to 87 percent in the current report. According to Virginia Stammetti, Director of Basic Skills, “We have a team of dedicated basic skills instructors and coordinators who are conscientious about the students and their progress. They monitor the students’ goals and progress to ensure their success. We are proud that a large percentage of our basic skills students continue their education here at SCC in additional continuing education or curriculum courses.”

Business and industry satisfaction with services provided also improved from 97 percent in last year’s report to 98 percent in the 2010 report. We have been able to respond to the specific training and retraining needs of industries in a timely manner,” said Dr. George Sappenfield, Vice President of Corporate and Continuing Education. “Businesses and industries are also excited about the possible future class offerings at centers to be located in Pilot Mountain and Elkin, NC, through the Golden Leaf Community Assistance grant.”

Surry Community College also holds the rare distinction of meeting the performance measure for college transfer students since 2003. Dr. Jami Woods, Vice President for Curriculum Programs explained, “When Surry students go on to achieve success in the university setting or on industry-recognized certifications, you have to recognize that the faculty members who taught those students are key factors in that success.”

Dr. Anne Hennis, Vice President of Planning, Research, and Assessment said, “Each year, we review the results of the report to see how we can adjust and improve for the following year. We are pleased with our results, but we realize the need to continuously monitor and adjust our programs so that they are meeting the identified standards. We are fortunate to be one of eleven community colleges in the NC Community College System to be ranked as exceptional for this year.”

About Surry Community College

Surry Community College was founded in 1964 and is located in Dobson. As one of the state’s 58 community colleges, it services Surry and Yadkin counties. Currently, Surry offers twenty-seven degree programs, fifteen diploma programs, and eighteen certificate programs, along with hundreds of continuing education courses. The college, under the direction of President Dr. Deborah Friedman, has a mission to promote personal growth and community development through excellence in teaching, learning, and service.