Franklin campus of SLCC growing, degrees offered

Solomon Tention, M.Ed. took over as administrator of the Franklin campus of South Louisiana Community College in March.
Tention said there have been “great changes at our campus, in terms of creating a learning community that is conducive for success.”
The campus is more learner and student-friendly, and Tention has vamped up recruitment initiatives with the help of social media, admission databases and involvement with local community organizations.
“We’ve seen a dramatic increase in enrollment from semester to semester,” he said. Enrollment is up about 119 percent for the spring semester, and Tention says the college is on track to double that number again for the fall session.
“We’re growing and I want people to know we’re still here, come by and check us out,” he said.
There are associate degree programs in business, accounting, business administration and general studies. All are transferable to colleges and universities within the state system. Tention also said high school students can start their first two years at the local campus and then move on to a four-year college. The program is also useful for persons who wish to obtain the associates degree then move into the workforce.
Interested residents can who would like to take a course without pursuing a degree but would like to sharpen up on certain skills can utilize the campus.
“People are starting to realize that we’re here,” Tention said. “The most interesting thing here is the general studies degree, where you can pick different concentrations, from liberal arts to biology. That degree allows you to put yourself on a clear pathway to what university you want to go to.”
Tention said classes start for the fall session in August. Students can enroll online at www.solacc.edu.
“We are here to provide opportunities for students to be successful,” Tention said. “That’s what I’m all about. With the community’s support we can grow even more.”
The campus has a dual-enrollment program where high school students can take college courses from a certified teacher.
“I see Franklin as a hidden jewel,” he said. “Growth of 119 percent shows that with the right support this place could be booming. Even though the campus is small people come here every day and people are taking notice. Please support us, principals, counselors, everyone.”