EDITORIAL

Birth rates sharply decreased following the Great Recession of 2007. Approximately 23 percent fewer babies were born following the 2007 birth rate peak. The sub-prime housing market crash caused economic realities that are still echoing today. These lower birth rates later resulted in smaller class sizes in K-12 education systems across the country. As these smaller class sizes moved through K-12 educational systems, experts predicted a future bust for colleges and universities across the country in what was to become known as the “enrollment cliff.”

Unfortunately, the experts were proven right, and the enrollment cliff became, and continues to become, very real for many colleges and universities across America. Our great nation has lost over 80 colleges and universities since 2020. While most went bankrupt and closed their doors permanently, others were forced to consolidate with other higher education institutions. 

Here in the great state of Texas, the enrollment cliff has caused major budget cuts in colleges and universities. The University of North Texas recently experienced a $45 million budget deficit and cut 70 programs. The University of Texas at Tyler is currently making deep cuts to manage a $12 million budget deficit. Tarrant County College recently announced that it will eliminate or restructure over a dozen degree and certificate programs. The University of Texas at Arlington also recently announced several degree program cuts and consolidations. Unfortunately, these Texas institutions are not alone in their financial challenges.

The great news is, thanks to the governance of the Weatherford College Board of Trustees, the caring and challenging support of our WC professors and team members, the incredible generosity of our donors, and the unwavering support of our community stakeholders, Weatherford College has never been stronger. We are in the strongest financial position in our noble institution’s history. We have had record-high enrollment for the last six consecutive long semesters! We continue to be the fastest-growing college in North Texas. While others are cutting programs, WC continues to expand our students’ educational opportunities at a record pace. 

If all of this unparalleled success is occurring during the enrollment cliff, what is going to happen to WC when large class sizes once again begin to graduate from high school and enroll in college? An expansive team of WC stakeholders has created a context which will very likely propel our college to even greater heights. This success is what happens when our stakeholders collectively focus on opportunities rather than obstacles. To the naysayers, I respond, “What enrollment cliff?”