Johnston Community College Market Research Report

Background

Johnston Community College (JCC), established in 1969, is a public institution located in Smithfield, North Carolina, approximately 30 miles east of Raleigh. As a member of the North Carolina Community College System, JCC offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas across various fields, including college transfer, occupational, technical, and continuing education programs. The college serves over 13,000 students annually through its credit and non-credit programs. The 175-acre main campus features state-of-the-art facilities, a 16-acre arboretum, and the 1,007-seat Paul A. Johnston Auditorium. Additional campuses include the Cleveland Center, the Johnston County Workforce Development Center in Clayton, and the Howell Woods Environmental Learning Center, a 2,800-acre wildlife preserve and teaching facility.

Key Strategic Focus

JCC is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities that prepare students for local and global challenges. The college offers approximately 35 occupational programs and numerous continuing education courses, emphasizing areas such as business technologies, health sciences, and public safety. Notably, JCC is home to the North Carolina Truck Driver Training School, the oldest program of its kind in the United States.

Financials and Funding

With an annual budget of approximately $40 million, JCC employs around 600 full-time and part-time staff members. The college's endowment is valued at nearly $7.61 million as of the 2022 fiscal year, reflecting a 2.1% growth from the previous year. In 2022, JCC's total salary expenditure was $42 million, with instructional salaries accounting for $7.23 million across 111 employees.

Pipeline Development

JCC continually develops and updates its academic programs to meet the evolving needs of the community and workforce. The college offers a range of programs in business technologies, including Accounting and Finance, Business Administration, Culinary Arts, Cybersecurity, Digital Media Technology, Information Technology, Paralegal Technology, and Supply Chain Management.

Technological Platform and Innovation

JCC leverages various technological platforms to enhance educational delivery and operational efficiency. The college utilizes tools such as AudioEye, Google Analytics, IBM WebSphere Commerce, Blackboard, Amazon ALB, PWA, Amazon Web Services, and Facebook to support its educational and administrative functions.

Leadership Team

Dr. Vern Lindquist serves as the President of Johnston Community College, leading the institution in its mission to provide accessible and high-quality education.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The community college sector in North Carolina is competitive, with institutions striving to offer diverse programs and attract a broad student base. JCC's strategic location near Raleigh positions it advantageously to serve a growing population seeking accessible higher education options.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors include Wake Technical Community College, Wayne Community College, and Central Carolina Community College. These institutions offer similar programs and serve overlapping geographic areas, making program differentiation and community engagement critical for JCC's competitive positioning.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

JCC collaborates with local high schools through the Career and College Promise Program, offering tuition-free course credits to qualified high school students. This initiative strengthens community ties and provides pathways for students to transition into higher education seamlessly.

Operational Insights

JCC's commitment to small class sizes, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1, ensures personalized attention and fosters a supportive learning environment. The college's diverse program offerings and state-of-the-art facilities further enhance its appeal to prospective students.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

JCC is well-positioned to expand its program offerings in high-demand fields such as cybersecurity and digital media technology. By strengthening partnerships with local industries and enhancing online learning platforms, the college can attract a broader student demographic and meet evolving workforce needs.