YORK, Maine — The new president of York County Community College has big plans for the college — some that begin as early as this Christmas and some more ambitious and far-reaching such as doubling enrollment and expanding the campus to include a gym and student center.
Dr. Barbara Finkelstein, who assumed the presidency of the Wells college in August, spoke Friday morning at the York Rotary Club. She said York County Community College provides a solid education to residents at the affordable price of $350 per course, and it is poised to meet the demands of employers throughout York County.
“This fall, we’ve had our highest enrollment ever, nearly 1,700 students,” she said. “You can’t find any place that is less expensive. It’s probably the best deal in New England.”
The most immediate challenge is overseeing construction of a new classroom building. There is only one building on campus meant to accommodate 1,200 students. The state Legislature appropriated $3.4 million for the 18,000-square-foot building, which will house a 140-seat theater/auditorium and classroom space. But Finkelstein said the estimated cost of construction is $7 million. The remainder will have to be raised through a capital campaign.
The Maine Community College System board of trustees are expected to discuss approval of the campaign at its November meeting, she said.
“We have done an interest study” among major foundations and York County businesses and corporations, “and there seems to be the funds we need for the campaign,” she said.
The goal is to break ground on the building next spring, with occupancy some time in 2016, she said.
As for programming, she said it’s clear from talking to business and industry that there is a real need for further STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — offerings. To that end, the college plans to add pre-engineering, robotics and more CAD, or computer aided design, programs in the coming years.
“I don’t want to plan in a vacuum. That’s not the way to serve the citizens of the county,” she said. “We have to make employment valuable to folks. If students have the right skills, they will stay here.”
The college has a precision machine program in Sanford and has just started a small satellite operation in Biddeford — both of which she’d like to expand. Finkelstein also is looking for ways to keep students on the campus, to create a more collegial as opposed to commuter feel. To that end, when the new building is completed, she would like to see the college offer music and performing arts classes and activities as a way to engage students.
Long term, she said she’d like to see York County Community College have four buildings. The third would include a gym and student center, again to keep students on campus.
For more than 30 years, Finkelstein worked at Massasoit Community College, for the last 13 as a senior vice president. Two of the programs she started there she is bringing to York County Community College.
Most immediately, during this Christmas break, York County Community College is offering a number of intercession courses for any student at any college or university. This two-week, intense daily course will offer opportunities for students to take a class while home at Christmas, toward their college requirements.
“It worked really well at Massasoit, and I think it will here, too,” she said.
Next year, the college will embark on a “weekend college,” meant to attract working people who have commitments during the week.