Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees Highlights Enrollment Growth, Program Expansion, and Key Approvals at May Meeting
Wilkesboro, N.C. – The Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees met Friday, May 15, at the John A. Walker Center, where trustees reviewed encouraging enrollment trends, approved key institutional actions, and received updates on strategic initiatives that continue to strengthen educational access and workforce development across the region.
In the President’s Report, Dr. Mike Rodgers shared positive enrollment momentum for the college. Spring 2026 enrollment increased by 113 students, or 4.62%, compared with the prior year, driven by a 10.55% increase in traditional student enrollment. Summer headcount is currently up by 121 students, or 11.3%, over the same point last year. While fall headcount is presently down 7.4%, traditional student enrollment is up 12.6%, and an additional 112 Career & College Promise applications remain in process and are not yet reflected in current totals.
Trustees also received updates on the state and county budget processes, including ongoing deliberations in Raleigh and the status of the Wilkes County budget. In addition, the board heard progress reports on construction for the new Dental Hygiene area in Herring Hall and the college’s continuing work to respond to accreditation requirements. The college’s response to the Commission on Dental Accreditation is scheduled for submission by June 1, 2026, after which a site visit will be scheduled.
Among the notable institutional advancements announced at the meeting was a grant award of up to $250,000 from Siemens and the North Carolina Community College System Foundation to support expansion of Electrical Systems Technology. The performance-based grant will help grow the program at both the Wilkes and Ashe campuses, support a projected 20% increase in enrollment, provide equipment for instruction, and fund an additional instructor position contingent on growth targets.
Trustees also recognized a significant honor for the college: Dr. Mike Rodgers, President, and Allison Phillips, Vice President of Institutional Advancement, were each presented the NC Cardinal Award by the NC State Auditor on April 26 in recognition of outstanding accountability, transparency, and stewardship and a temporary easement in front of Herring Hall related to improvements on Oakwoods Road, and approved updates to Policy 5.2.1, Attendance in Curriculum Programs, to support a pilot Competency-Based Education model for two curriculum certificate programs: Basic Welder/Fabricator and Cyber Security Technician.
The board also reviewed personnel updates and received notice that the college’s FY 2025-26 compliance review reported no findings for the sample records, programs, policies, and procedures reviewed.
Following closed session, trustees announced approval of an amended contract for Dr. Mike Rodgers, President, which will be forwarded to the North Carolina Community College System for State Board approval.
The meeting reflected Wilkes Community College’s continued focus on responsible governance, student access, workforce-aligned programming, and strategic growth across its service area. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Wilkes Community College Board of Trustees will be held Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Ashe Campus.
Wilkes Community College serves students and communities through high-quality academic, workforce, and continuing education programs designed to expand opportunity and support regional economic growth.
About Wilkes Community College
Wilkes Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System, is a public, two-year, open-door institution serving the people of Wilkes, Ashe, and Alleghany counties and beyond. Established in 1965, WCC has a proud history of meeting the educational, cultural, and workforce needs of our community. As we look to the future, Wilkes Community College provides programs, resources, and services that create quality educational, economic development, and cultural opportunities. WCC aspires to be an effective, learner-centered institution and a dynamic learning organization, preparing students for success in a changing world.
