Williston State College student enrollment saw a 16 percent increase from 731 students in fall 2007 to 850 in 2008.

"We are encouraged by the enrollment increase this fall," said WSC President Dr. Joe McCann.

This year, 163 students 18 years of age and younger began taking courses at the college, which is a significant hike from only 37 students in 2007.

WSC Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Dawn Olson attributes this particular increase to the fact that more high school students opted to register in dual-credit programs, which allows them to receive high school and college credits simultaneously.

Olson said the other component driving student enrollment upward is the distance education program with a total of 51 percent, or 431 students, taking on-line classes. Last year, 420 took WSC distance education courses. "This wasn't unexpected," said McCann, adding the WSC staff has been working diligently to increase enrollment numbers.

McCann said the WSC foundation helped to attract students by increasing the number of scholarships and grants available.

"Not only did the number of scholarship increase, but also the size of scholarships and the scope of the scholarships; that's been very helpful," said McCann.

Terry Olson, foundation executive director, said scholarship funds increased by 15 percent from about $370,000 to about $420,000.

The fall enrollment figures, as well as a desire to expand academically, has prompted WSC officials to pursue a possible partnership with other institutions in North Dakota, particularly Bismarck State College (BSC), to share some of the programs offered. For example, WSC would add to its curriculum the BSC construction and applied science degree programs, and BSC would add the WSC diesel program.

"A partnership of that type would assist the rural economy for the whole energy corridor in the western end of the state," said McCann.

He added both entities are trying to find funds to make the collaboration a reality.

At the same time, WSC is attempting to secure an Economic Development Administration grant to help pay for the construction of a new building for the diesel program and an additional dormitory facility.

"We would like to have this come together for the fall of 2010," said McCann, adding these building would increase student enrollment, expand the college campus and provide a better living facility that is competitive with other regional colleges and universities.

WSC may also begin offering courses in carpentry, HVAC, plumbing and electrical work, said McCann.