By Shelly Williams/editor in chief

TCC broke last year’s fall credit enrollment record, increasing by 11 percent to a total headcount of 49,108.

The college also posted a 19 percent increase in African-American and Hispanic student enrollment districtwide. Registration for the second eight-week term has begun, and Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley said the district should exceed 50,000 by the Oct. 25 deadline.

TR Campus increased to 5,460 students, a 47 percent jump from its first official fall semester in 2009.

“We’re giddy about it,” TR president Tahita Fulkerson said. “As our numbers grew with fall enrollment, we knew that our dedication to student services and emphasis on helping students find their way around our building has paid off.”

NW Campus increased by 16.3 percent to 13,431 students. SE Campus increased by 14.2 percent, pushing enrollment to 14,692. NE Campus rose to 17,458 students, a 7.7 increase while South Campus increased 7.1 percent to 12,524 students.

NW vice president for teaching and learning services Leann Ellis said growth comes from multiple factors including students returning to college because of the economy.

“Even though sometimes — with all the students — we’re wondering where to put them all, we’re excited to figure it out,” she said.

TCC’s enrollment numbers surpassed those of several area universities like the University of Texas at Arlington and the University of North Texas.