Citrus College Recognized as a Top Producing Community College

By Stacy Armstrong, Citrus College

Community College Week magazine has once again recognized Citrus Collegeas one of the nation’s leading two-year institutions.

Every year, the national publication releases a special report highlighting the top degree and certificate producing two-year institutions in the United States.  The report consists of 44 different categories, including associate degrees awarded to minorities, associate degrees awarded by discipline, and total number of two-year certificates awarded.

“Community College Week is a well-respected, independent publication that serves community, technical, and junior colleges throughout the United States.  Inclusion on their annual top producer lists is truly an honor,” said Dr. Geraldine M. Perri, superintendent/president of Citrus College.  “What makes this so impressive is that we are being compared with over 1,100 colleges nationwide.  The fact that we are recognized as a top producer is extraordinary.”

Using data gathered from the 2011-2012 academic year, Community CollegeWeek ranked Citrus College 60 out of the top 100 producers of associate degrees awarded to minority students.  Last year, the college was ranked 65 out of the top 100 in the same category. 

Citrus College’s ranking in the associate degrees awarded to Asian Americans category also improved significantly.  Last year, the college was ranked 87 out of the top 100.  In 2013, Citrus College ranked 68 out of the top 100 – a jump of 19 spots.

In addition, Citrus College was ranked number 38 out of the top 50 producers of associate degrees in nursing.  In 2012, the college was not included on this list.

“Seeing such significant improvements in these categories serves as a validation of our efforts to increase college completion rates, empower students, and support academic success,” Dr. Perri said. 

Three additional rankings round out Citrus College’s Community College Weekrecognitions for 2013.  The college was listed number 36 out of the top 100 producers of associate degrees awarded to Hispanic students, 23 out of the top 50 producers of associate degrees awarded in multi/interdisciplinary studies, and 37 out of the top 50 producers of associate degrees awarded in parks, recreation, leisure and fitness.

“Every year, Citrus College looks forward to the findings highlighted in CommunityCollege Week’s special report.  We are always delighted to be recognized as a top producer, but this year’s results have given us even more cause for celebration,” said Mrs. Susan M. Keith, president of the Citrus CommunityCollege District’s Board of Trustees.  “Being included on their lists and experiencing impressive improvements in several categories demonstrates our commitment to college completion. It also illustrates our success in meeting the needs of the students within the communities we serve.”