POPLAR BLUFF - Three Rivers Community College began an historic academic year on Thursday as more students than ever before returned to the college campus.

Three Rivers President Dr. Devin Stephenson said that on the first day of classes the college is poised to break all attendance records.  Preliminary attendance statistics released by the college show attendance at 3,327 students enrolled in 37,527 credit hours at the college.  The previous records were both set in 2007 with 3,190 students enrolled in 34,302 credit hours.

Stephenson said the enrollment statistics were preliminary as students attended classes for the first time on Thursday.  Registration and enrollment will continue through Wednesday, Aug. 19.

"It's an exciting day at Three Rivers," Stephenson said.  "In addition to the increase in the actual number of students, we have an increase in the number of credit hours being taken by students this semester.  In addition, the college's residential facility, Rivers Ridge, is filled to capacity with students.  This is a grand-slam for Three Rivers - an outstanding way to begin the new academic year!"

"We have students who are starting their college education here at Three Rivers before they transfer to a four-year college or university.  We have students who've lost their jobs and are coming back for a degree or additional training," Stephenson said.  "Some are looking at today's economy and have decided to return to college to gain new skills."

Stephenson said Three Rivers is joining many other community colleges across America in seeing significant enrollment increases this fall.  Community colleges across America are booming as Americans look for quality and affordable education options.  Historically, community colleges see increases in enrollment during times of economic downturn, he said.

"This is truly the golden age for community colleges and the sky is the limit," he said.

Current enrollment shows students enrolled from throughout the Three Rivers service area and at all of the college's centers and sites in Southeast Missouri.

"We feel that folks here in Southeast Missouri are looking for high quality education opportunities that are affordable and close to home," he said.  "Three Rivers offers a wide range of education programs that meet people's needs.  Our tuition is among the lowest in the four-state regions, and we offer classes at our campus in Poplar Bluff, at our full-service centers and sites throughout Southeast Missouri and through online classes.  We are a great place to start!"

The Fall 2009 semester started Thursday, Aug. 13 at Three Rivers.  Registration will continue through Wednesday, Aug. 19.  For additional information on classes at Three Rivers visit the college's website at www.trcc.edu or call the college toll-free at 1-877-879-8722.