68°F
weather icon Windy

Great Basin College sees increased student counts in Pahrump

Great Basin College’s Pahrump campus kicked off its school year Aug. 29 with an increased student count compared to last year.

There are 428 students taking live and online classes in the valley, compared to 391 a year ago, representing a nine-percent increase.

The rise in new students was over twice that percentage, as there was a 22 percent higher number of new students this fall (157) as compared to fall 2015 (128). Returning students were up 3 percent over last year with 271 this year, compared to 263 in 2015.

According to Kayla McCarson, marketing/social media specialist for GBC, more of those students are taking online classes than ever before.

“(About) 56 percent of GBC students are now taking completely online classes,” McCarson said. “Our high dual credit enrollment is up from 552 in 2015 to 638 in 2016.”

The increased general enrollment could be associated with more high school students discovering GBC’s available dual credit classes, often offered online, McCarson said.

Several new degree programs are being offered this semester including Bachelor of Arts, English Bachelor of Arts, Social Science Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences Associate of Applied Science Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Emphasis, Emergency Medical Technician Basic and Advanced Certifications.

The campus employs five full-time faculty members, all of whom hold an advanced degree of study in their field of instruction, and 10 part-time faculty members. The classes are taught at the Pahrump Valley High technology building.

274 acres of land granted for campus expansion

The Board of Regents approved the conveyance of 274 acres of land from the Bureau of Land Management to Great Basin College for a Pahrump campus at its meeting Friday.

According to President Mark Curtis, the 274 acres of BLM land in Pahrump was accepted by the full board.

The land is located on the southeast end of town, near Carpenter Canyon Road and Highway 160.

The chancellor signed the memorandum of understanding, with the BLM expected to sign it soon and GBC will then receive the land patent.

“The next steps will involve a ground-breaking ceremony, and a public roll-out of information related to GBC’s acquisition,” McCarson said.

Contact reporter Mick Akers at makers@pvtimes.com. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
Beatty Clinic gets tons of help with new a/c

BEATTY — The Beatty Foundation, an affiliate of AngloGold-Ashanti (AGA), did tons of good at the Beatty Clinic on March 22. Nine tons, exactly.

11th Annual Chili Cook-Off brings tempting tastings and festival fun

The 11th Annual International Chili Society and Silver State Chili Cook-Off took over Petrack Park this past weekend for three days filled with savory tastings, fun and activities and of course, some intense culinary competition.

Pahrump homeschoolers dance the night away

Pahrump Valley’s homeschool youth were whisked away into the Enchanted Forest this month, with local Moose Lodge #808 hosting a night of dancing and revelry in honor of an age-old adolescent right-of-passage, prom.

Looking for some family fun for Easter? Hop over to Simkins Park

Anyone looking for a fun, family-friendly festivity to enjoy this holiday can hop on over to Simkins Park to join the Mills family as they celebrate Easter Sunday with worship music, free food and an enormous 14,000-egg hunt that is sure to bring a smile to hundreds of faces.

Campground fees to increase at Death Valley National Park

DEATH VALLEY, Calif. — Visitors to Death Valley National Park can expect a slight increase in entrance fees for various campgrounds beginning on May 1.

Clerk staffer Cori Freidhof appointed interim leader

Nye County Clerk Mark Kampf’s time in office officially comes to a close on March 31 and deputy clerk Cori Freidhof has now been selected to assume that vacated seat. Freidhof will take over the office as of Monday, April 1 and fulfill the unexpired term ending Jan. 1, 2027.

Gaming can have impact on us

When does gaming cross the line from recreational relaxation to problematic behavior? How do video games and gambling relate? What resources are available for those who find themselves struggling to control their relationship with video games and gambling?

County eyeing impact fee increases

The cost to develop in Pahrump could go up, with a public hearing on a proposal to raise local impact fees set for next month.

Here’s who filed as political candidates in Nye County

Locals have filed their political candidacy as of March 15 and this year two major offices in Nye County will be up for grabs in the general election. Nye County residents have to first narrow down their preferred party candidate on June 11 in the primary and then vote in November to support their preferred candidates.