| Hiwassee College Again Eligible for Federal Funds |
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The United States Department of Education has approved Hiwassee College’s application to receive federal funds for eligible students. The approval comes after the 161-year-old institution had to comply with a mandatory two-year non-participation period after losing accreditation in 2008. Hiwassee was reaccredited in November last year.
“We are very excited to receive this news,” says Interim President Jerry Russell. “This puts the final piece back in place for the college to move forward.” After receiving its accreditation, Hiwassee was declared eligible to resume receiving HOPE Scholarship funds in June. This latest approval removes the final impediment to students receiving the fullest financial aid packages available in terms of state and federal funds.
“We can now offer Hiwassee students the same benefits they can receive at any other institution in terms of financial aid,” states Ron Hemphill, Vice President for Admissions and Financial Aid. “Clearing this last hurdle opens the door for our enrollment to grow back to previous levels.” New programs and four-year degrees are also attracting students and enrollment is expected to double this fall over last year. Hiwassee was a junior college until it resumed offering baccalaureate degrees in 2009.
The news set off small celebrations on the usually quiet Madisonville campus. After struggling to remain open under declining enrollment and financial strain the past two years, employees were relieved to hear the news. “Now maybe things can begin to get back to normal,” said a long-time employee on Friday. “A normal class, a normal year. It’s just a relief.” For more information about Hiwassee College and its programs call 423-442-2001 or visit online at www.hiwassee.edu. |
| Hiwassee College Dental Hygiene Program Accredited
 The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) granted initial accreditation to Hiwassee’s new Dental Hygiene Program. “This exciting news from CODA clears the path for Hiwassee to begin taking students this fall in our new Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene Program,” stated Shelley Waters, Director of the program.
The new Dental Hygiene Program is the first in Monroe County and represents Hiwassee’s commitment to meeting the needs of the citizens and businesses in East Tennessee. “There is no doubt that the addition of this program to Hiwassee’s academic portfolio will help address the growing need for dental hygienists in East Tennessee,” stated Interim President Jerry Russell. “Additionally, this program will allow those that are unemployed and underemployed the opportunity to get the necessary skills required to work in one of the few areas showing strong growth and opportunity for employment. Hiwassee was established to help give people the opportunity to better their lives and this program is a continuation of our commitment to the community,” continued Russell.
Even though initial accreditation was just announced by CODA, Hiwassee has been working the last 2 years preparing for this day. “This approval is just the culmination of all the hard work this College has put into making this program a reality. The commitment to the quality of the program by Hiwassee will be evident to the community and the new dental hygiene students once classes begin in the fall. Our state of the art facility and intensive academic requirements will produce some of the best dental hygienists in the country,” stated Waters. “The need and desire for this program has also been evidenced by the large number of applications we have already received from people all over the country.”
CODA is the official accrediting body for all dental and dental hygiene programs across the country. According to CODA’s website, their mission is to protect the public interest by establishing, implementing and maintaining standards that will help the quality and improvement in dental education and dental care. “The accreditation of Hiwassee’s Dental Hygiene Program is a testament to the quality program that Hiwassee has established,” concluded Russell.
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Hiwassee College Welcomes New Dean of Students
 Hiwassee College is pleased to announce that Ms. Patricia (Patti) G. Clevenger has been named to the position of Dean of Students. Ms. Clevenger replaces Dr. Jim Cheek who retired in June.
Ms. Clevenger comes to Hiwassee after serving thirty-one years in education; twenty-nine with the Maryville City Schools and three years with the State Department of Education Career Ladder Evaluation. A graduate of Tennessee Technological University, Ms. Clevenger has a B.S. degree in Elementary Education; M.A. Degree in Elementary Education Reading and an Ed.S. Degree in Instructional Leadership.
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| HOPE for Hiwassee College
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Hiwassee College Interim President Jerry Russell (l) welcomed (l-r), Representative Jimmy Matlock, Senator Randy McNally and Monroe County Mayor Allan Watson to campus recently to express his appreciation for their efforts in restoring the HOPE Scholarship for Hiwassee students.
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Hiwassee College surpassed another milestone in its journey to resume normal operations recently. The college, which regained accreditation in November 2009, had been unable to receive HOPE Scholarship funds for its students because of language in the original bill. The Tennessee State Legislature passed a bill in June that amended that wording so that Hiwassee students would again be eligible to receive the scholarship funds.
State Senator Randy McNally and State Representative Jimmy Matlock were instrumental in getting the legislation passed and made into law. They, along with Monroe County Mayor Allan Watson, visited campus recently where Interim College President Jerry Russell expressed his appreciation for their efforts on behalf of the college.
Hiwassee College, with its typical enrollment of 400 students and employing 70 people, is a vital part of the Monroe County and East Tennessee community. The college has undergone financial and enrollment challenges since losing its accreditation in April 2008. The restoration of state and federal funds for its students is an important element in revitalizing the institution.
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| MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Homecoming Nov. 19-21
- 30-year Reunion - Did you graduate in '79, '80, or '81?
A reunion is being planned for homecoming. Call the Office of Alumni Affairs at (423) 420-1222.
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Hiwassee College opens its doors to new and transferring students on Sunday, August 22nd, with returning students arriving on Monday, August 23rd. Registration for returning students will be held on Tuesday, August 24th from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m.
For more information, contact the
Office of Admission
(800) 356-2187 E-mail: enroll@hiwassee.edu |
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Join us for the tenth annual
Tiger Shoot-Out
Monday, September 13 at
Rarity Pointe Golf Course
MORE INFORMATION |
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Make an Online Donation
Experience the ease and convenience of making an online donation to Hiwassee College. Click the Donate button below to begin the process: |
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