2 min read October 2022 — In an interview with Invest:, Quintin Bullock, president of the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), provided insight into where the college stands today. A new five-year strategic plan, increasing demand for new and emerging workforce development programs that lead directly to employment, and continued investments in modernizing college facilities and instructional spaces are just a few of the topics Bullock discussed.
What have been some of the highlights for CCAC over the past year?
We participated in what’s known as the RNL Student Satisfaction Inventory, a national survey that provides institutions with insight into students’ level of satisfaction, and based on the most recent survey, our students rated their satisfaction with the college to be very high. Students felt that they experienced intellectual growth, our computer labs were accessible and provided what they needed, tutorial services were readily available, and the campus was safe and secure. What this data says is that overall, our students are pleased with their academic experience and the services that they are receiving from the Community College of Allegheny County. Additionally, despite the pandemic, we’ve also increased student retention by two percentage points from 2019 to 2022.
We’ve also continued to make major financial investments in our infrastructure, technology and college operations to ensure that our students have access to the tools that they need to be successful.
What differentiates the Greater Pittsburgh higher education environment from other regions in the country?
The Greater Pittsburgh area is fortunate to have a number of exceptional higher ed institutions. These institutions routinely collaborate to address the region’s needs and workforce challenges. As a result, we have formed numerous articulation agreements, built strong partnerships with business and industry, and created a pipeline of highly skilled and talented graduates ready to enter and contribute to Southwestern Pennsylvania’s workforce. From two-year and four-year public institutions to private and faith-based colleges and universities, students have a great deal of choice as to where they want to enroll to realize their academic and career goals.
How has demand for your programs shifted in the last two years?
This varies from semester to semester. The one program that continues to have steady measurable growth is information technology, which includes computer information systems, software development, cybersecurity, and network support specialists.
There has also been an increased demand for short training programs where individuals earn nationally recognized certificates that lead to employment. Nursing and a number of allied health programs continue to remain in high demand, including Anesthesia Technologist, Surgical Technologist, Medical Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Therapy, Health Information Technology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiologic Technologist and Radiation Therapy. Additionally, there has been a growing demand for programs in the skilled trades.
How does your institution promote diversity, equity and inclusion?
Last year, we launched our new five-year strategic plan. As our mission states, CCAC prepares individuals to succeed in a complex global society by providing affordable access to high-quality career and transfer education, delivered in a diverse, caring and innovative learning environment. And paramount to that plan is diversity, one of CCAC’s core values. The college honors and embraces diversity by creating a positive, inclusive college culture that respects individual differences and values the unique experiences and perspectives of all students, faculty and staff.
The college has also embraced five key commitments. These commitments are incorporated into the college’s strategic plan and include the following: a commitment to care; a commitment to serve the whole community with a focus on social justice; a commitment to build a culture of equity on campus; a commitment to identify and dismantle campus structures that breed disparities, and then redesign the college for equity; and a commitment to fund what matters most.
What is the economic impact of CCAC on the local community?
Based on a recent economic impact study, in FY2019–20, CCAC added $1.3 billion in income to the Allegheny County economy, a value approximately equal to 1.3% of the county’s total gross regional product. Expressed in terms of jobs, CCAC’s impact supported 15,705 jobs. The activities of CCAC and its students support one out of every 57 jobs in Allegheny County. Additionally, CCAC’s construction spending added $3.4 million in income for Allegheny County.
Our graduates also benefit. A student who earns an associate degree from CCAC will see an increase in earnings of $11,000 each year compared to someone with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Pennsylvania. For every $1.00 invested in CCAC, students gain $4.70 in lifetime earnings, taxpayers gain $2.50 in added tax revenue and public sector savings, and society gains $9.50 in added income and social savings. As a result, there is a measurable economic impact that supports the region as a whole.
What are CCAC’s plans for the next two to three years?
CCAC is undertaking a collegewide self-assessment and making necessary changes to position the college to be agile and responsive to the needs of our region. The new Workforce Development Center under construction on CCAC’s Allegheny Campus will offer training in a number of high-demand jobs. The new center will reach a broader urban community, and establish partnerships with business and industry to support new programming, scholarships and workforce training. The center will also help create and strengthen partnerships with the region’s K–12 schools.
There is also work underway to make changes in how instruction is delivered. At one time, it was assumed that face-to-face instruction may be the only way to deliver instruction. However, as the last two years have shown, virtual and fully online instruction is getting some increased traction. As such, we are rethinking all structures within the college, looking at what’s in the best interest of the students that we serve. These actions will require flexibility, innovation and ongoing investment to keep current with the changes occurring both here in the region and in the wider global marketplace.
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