Taft College

Last updated
Taft College
TaftCollege.png
Type Public community college
EstablishedAugust 30, 1922
Parent institution
 West Kern Community College District and California Community Colleges system
Superintendent/President and CEODr. Rafe Edward Trickey, Jr.
Academic staff
58 full-time
59 part-time
Administrative staff
31
Students5,723 [1]
Location
Taft
,
California
,
United States

35°08′58″N119°27′36″W / 35.14944°N 119.46000°W / 35.14944; -119.46000
CampusSuburban
Colors    Black and Gold
Nickname Cougars
Website www.taftcollege.edu

Taft College is a public community college in Taft, California. It is a part of the California Community Colleges system and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. [2] The college is one of only a few community colleges in California to have on-campus housing.

Contents

The college was founded in 1922 as Taft Junior College. Initially, it was part of the Taft Union High School District with classes held on the campus of Taft Union High School. [3] The college switched to its current name in 1954 and opened its own separate campus adjacent to the high school in 1956. [4]

Taft College offers Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees as well as a variety of certificates. [5] Graduates who complete specified programs are prepared for transfer to the California State University or University of California systems.

History

The history of Taft Junior College begins with the close of last year. One day Mr. MacReynolds inquired how many of those who were graduating [from TUHS] would attend such an institution if it were established. The response was rather meager but when school opened we numbered about a dozen.

Randolph Matson, introduction to The Derrick, Taft College yearbook, 1923 [6]

In 1910 Taft had a population of 1,650, but within eight years that number swelled to 4,000. [7] New schools were built at all levels to keep up with population growth. Taft Union High School (TUHS) District was formed in July 1920, with the expectation that a junior college would shortly follow. On August 30, 1922, the TUHS Board voted to create Taft Junior College, with the first classes being held on the grounds of the high school. [8]

During the Second World War Taft hosted a training school for the United States Army Air Corps at Gardner Field. In October 1947 TUHS purchased leftover buildings from the defunct Gardner and Minter Fields. The junior college moved into these remodeled structures on August 27, 1948. [9]

By 1954 the population of Taft had reached 16,100 and Taft Junior College clearly required its own campus. On July 1 preliminary plans for the new campus were approved and the institution officially changed its name to Taft College. [10] Construction began in May 1955 and the new campus opened its doors on September 11, 1956. [11]

In 1962 voters created a new college district and the college separated completely from TUHS. [12] In October 1964 construction began on the first dormitories and students took up residence the following year. [13] The Science Building opened in 1966, the Technical Arts Building in 1967, the Vocational Ed Building in 1969 and the library annex in 1970. [14] A new gymnasium was added in 1981. [15]

The central quad in 2012. The Student Center building contains the cafeteria and testing center, with the baseball field in the background. At right is the administration/library building. Taft College Quad.jpg
The central quad in 2012. The Student Center building contains the cafeteria and testing center, with the baseball field in the background. At right is the administration/library building.

Throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s Taft College featured highly in sports, particularly in football. [16] In 1994 the college was forced to eliminate all athletic programs due to budget cuts. [17] Some programs (but not football) were later restored.

In March 2004 voters approved a $39.8 million bond to finance renovation of existing college facilities and expand into new structures. [18]

Academics

Taft College focuses on preparing students for career advancement in their current field or for further study at four-year institutions. The college's mission emphasizes basic skills and service to students. [19] A variety of associate degrees are available in Arts and Sciences, together with certificates in specific subject areas. [20]

Since 1993 the college has offered degrees in dental hygiene, and the Dental Hygiene Clinic is open to the public. [21] [22] Taft College also runs the Transition to Independent Living (TIL) Program, which trains young adults with developmental disabilities in the responsibilities of living on their own. [23] "The Children's Center is the largest single-site child care facility in the California Community College system." [24]

Student life

In fall 2011 Taft College enrolled just over 5,000 students, of whom 29% were first-time attendees. The student population was 62% male. Forty-eight percent were age 24 or younger. Hispanics represented 49% of the student body and white non-Hispanics 39%, with no other race exceeding 5%. [25] In Fall 2011 98.5% of students came from high schools within California, overwhelmingly from Kern County. [26] [Note 1]

The vast majority of students commute to school, but about 200 live on-campus in two residence halls. [27]

The Associated Student Body is the "official governing organization of students enrolled at Taft College." [28] Students participate in a variety of clubs. The college sponsors a student literary magazine, A Sharp Piece of Awesome, and a newspaper, Black Gold. There are two honor societies, Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society of Leadership and Success.

Governance

The Cougar is the official mascot of Taft College. The science building is in the background. Taft College Cougar.jpg
The Cougar is the official mascot of Taft College. The science building is in the background.

Taft College is the sole college within the West Kern Community College District (WKCCD).

The WKCCD is overseen by a five-member board of trustees who are responsible for maintaining high standards in college operations, selecting a Superintendent/President, outlining district policy, and assuring the district's financial stability. [29] Board members are elected by the voters in the WKCCD for a four-year term, staggered so that half the board is up for election in each even-numbered year. [30]

Faculty members are represented by the Faculty Association. [31] Other employees are represented by the California School Employees Association (CSEA). [32] Students are represented by the Associated Student Body.

Notable staff and alumni

Notes

  1. ↑ This report excludes large subpopulations within the student body, notably students in the Taft Correctional Facility or the WESTEC facility. It also excludes high schools that sent fewer than 5 students to Taft College. Nevertheless, the percentages are probably broadly accurate for the student body as a whole.

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">San Francisco State University</span> Public university in San Francisco, California

San Francisco State University is a public research university in San Francisco. It was established in 1899 as the San Francisco State Normal School and is part of the California State University system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stetson University</span> Private university in DeLand, Florida, US

Stetson University is a private university with its main campus in DeLand, Florida, United States. Established in 1883 as DeLand Academy, it was later renamed John B. Stetson University in honor of a donor. The university's main campus in DeLand spans 175 acres and has Florida's oldest collection of education-related buildings, including DeLand Hall, the state's longest-standing building used for higher education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Illinois State University</span> Public university in Normal, Illinois, US

Illinois State University (ISU) is a public research university in Normal, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1857 as Illinois State Normal University and is the oldest public university in Illinois. The university emphasizes teaching and is recognized as one of the top ten largest producers of teachers in the US according to the American Association of Colleges of Teacher Education. It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California State University San Marcos</span> Public university in San Marcos, California

California State University, San Marcos is a public university in San Marcos, California. It was founded in 1989 as the 21st campus in the California State University (CSU) system. CSUSM offers 43 bachelor's degree programs, 23 master's degree programs, an Ed.D. program, and 13 teaching credentials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pasadena City College</span> Community college in Pasadena, California, US

Pasadena City College (PCC) is a public community college in Pasadena, California.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">State University of New York at Oswego</span> Public college in Oswego, New York, US

State University of New York at Oswego is a public university in Oswego, New York. It has a total student population of 6,756 and the campus size is 700 acres.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">California State University, Stanislaus</span> Public university in Turlock, California

California State University, Stanislaus is a public university in Turlock, Stanislaus County, California. It is part of the California State University system. It was established in 1957 and offers 45 bachelor's degree programs and 38 graduate programs, which include 22 master's degree programs, one doctoral degree, 10 certificate programs, and 5 teaching credentials. Stanislaus State is a Hispanic-serving institution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Santa Monica College</span> Community college in Santa Monica, California

Santa Monica College (SMC) is a public community college in Santa Monica, California. Founded as a junior college in 1929, SMC enrolls over 30,000 students in more than 90 fields of study. The college initially served pre-college high school students, eventually expanding its enrollment to educate college-age and non-traditional students with the intention to transfer to a four-year university. The college has high transfer rates to four-year universities such as the University of California and California State University campuses, being a leader among state community colleges in transfers to the former.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foothill College</span> College in Los Altos Hills, California

Foothill College is a public community college in Los Altos Hills, California. It is part of the Foothill–De Anza Community College District. It was founded on January 15, 1957, and offers 79 Associate degree programs, 1 Bachelor's degree program, and 107 certificate programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jefferson College (Missouri)</span> Community college in Hillsboro, Missouri, US

Jefferson College is a public community college in Jefferson County, Missouri, in the city of Hillsboro. As of Fall 2019, Jefferson College enrollment included 4,179 full and part-time college credit students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">City College of San Francisco</span> U.S. community college

City College of San Francisco is a public community college in San Francisco, California, United States. Founded as a junior college in 1935, the college plays an important local role, enrolling as many as one in nine San Francisco residents annually. CCSF is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

San Diego City College is a public community college in San Diego, California. It is part of San Diego Community College District and the California Community Colleges system. The college is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Salle Green Hills</span> Private school in Metro Manila, Philippines

La Salle Green Hills ("LSGH") is a private Catholic school run by the Philippine District of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools in Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines. It was established in 1959 by the De La Salle Brothers led by Brother H. Gabriel Connon, FSC primarily to provide more slots to students wishing to avail of the then very popular De La Salle primary education offered in Taft Avenue, Manila.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">La Sierra University</span> University in Riverside, California

La Sierra University is a private, Seventh-day Adventist university in Riverside, California. Founded in 1922 as La Sierra Academy, it later became La Sierra College, a liberal arts college, and then was merged into Loma Linda University (LLU) in 1967 and became the Loma Linda University La Sierra College of Arts and Sciences. In 1990, the La Sierra Campus separated from Loma Linda University to become La Sierra University, an independent institution. It is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), the Adventist Accrediting Association (AAA), and several discipline-based accrediting bodies.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rock Valley College</span> Two-year college in Rockford, Illinois, U.S.

Rock Valley College (RVC) is a public community college in Rockford, Illinois. It is part of the Illinois Community College System. RVC's district comprises Winnebago County, Boone County, and parts of Stephenson County, Ogle County, McHenry County, and DeKalb County. Since opening for classes in 1965, RVC has grown to an institution of 140 faculty members, 500 part-time lecturers, and more than 7700 students.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modesto Junior College</span> Community college in Modesto, California, US

Modesto Junior College (MJC) is a public community college in Modesto, California. It is part of Yosemite Community College District along with Columbia College. MJC, and Columbia College, belong to the California Community College system along with 112 other public community colleges. The college has two campuses in Modesto. The East Campus is the original campus while the West Campus is the larger of the two. Courses are provided in general education, lower-division transfer programs, occupational and developmental education.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">College of Alameda</span> Community college in Alameda, California, US

College of Alameda is a public community college in Alameda, California. It is part of the Peralta Community College District and was opened in 1968. Since 1970 the college has held classes on a 62-acre campus at the intersection of Webster Street and Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway in Alameda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Taft Union High School</span> School district in California

Taft Union High School is located in Taft in Kern County, California, in the United States. Taft High was founded in 1912. Taft is a small city of fewer than 10,000, and the school also serves the surrounding rural area, which in the early 21st century has a total population of about 20,000. It is a part of the Taft Union High School District.

Moreno Valley College (MVC) is a public community college in Moreno Valley, California. The college is part of the Riverside Community College District and the larger California Community Colleges System.

Huntington Junior College (HJC) is a private junior college in Huntington, West Virginia. It was founded in 1936 and its campus is currently located in the former Cabell County Public Library building. The college offers six associate degree programs as well as stackable certificates and micro-credentials. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

References

  1. ↑ "California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office - Data Mart".
  2. ↑ Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Directory of Accredited Institutions. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, May 2012. Web. 17 May 2012. http://www.accjc.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/ACCJC_DIRECTORY_of_ACCREDITED_INSTITUTIONS_May_16_2012.pdf Archived 2012-06-12 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 17. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  4. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 31-33. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  5. ↑ Taft College. Directory Listing of Academic Degrees. Taft College, 2011. Web. 17 May 2012. http://web.taftcollege.edu/student_services/EdPlan_2008B/programs/template.php
  6. ↑ Taft Junior College Pages from THE DERRICK 1923-1929: Archive Copy. No author given. Retained in the Taft College Library.
  7. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 6, 14. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  8. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 17. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  9. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 26. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  10. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 31. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  11. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 32-33. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  12. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 36. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  13. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 37. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  14. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 38-39. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  15. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 44. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  16. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 42-49. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  17. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 49. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  18. ↑ Taft College. "General Information." Catalog and Student Handbook: 2010-2012. Taft, CA: Taft College, 2010. 11. Print.
  19. ↑ Taft College. Taft College Mission Statement. Taft College, n.d. Web. 17 May 2012. http://www.taftcollege.edu/administration/pdf/mission_statement.pdf Archived 2012-05-23 at the Wayback Machine
  20. ↑ Taft College. Directory Listing of Academic Degrees. Taft College, 2011. Web. 17 May 2012. http://web.taftcollege.edu/student_services/EdPlan_2008B/programs/template.php
  21. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 49. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  22. ↑ Taft College. "General Information." Catalog and Student Handbook: 2010-2012. Taft, CA: Taft College, 2010. 11. Print.
  23. ↑ Taft College. Transition to Independent Living. Taft College, 5 Apr. 2011. Web. 17 May 2012. http://www.taftcollege.edu/tcwp/til/ Archived 2012-05-06 at the Wayback Machine
  24. ↑ Taft College. "General Information." Catalog and Student Handbook: 2010-2012. Taft, CA: Taft College, 2010. 11. Print.
  25. ↑ California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office. Management Information Systems Data Mart. State of California, 2011. Web. 18 May 2012. http://datamart.cccco.edu/Students/Enrollment_Status.aspx
  26. ↑ Institutional Assessment, Research and Planning. Taft College Student Origins Fall 2011, Fall 2010, and Fall 2009. Taft College, 23 Aug. 2011. Web. 18 May 2012. http://planning.taftcollege.edu/content/attachment.php?attachmentid=199&d=1314219849
  27. ↑ Taft College. "General Information." Catalog and Student Handbook: 2010-2012. Taft, CA: Taft College, 2010. 11. Print.
  28. ↑ Taft College. "Associated Student Body." Taft College. Taft College, 2011. Web. 21 May 2012. http://web.taftcollege.edu/student_activities/asb.shtml
  29. ↑ BP 2200: Board Duties and Responsibilities. Taft College, 8 May 2008. Web. 21 May 2012. http://www.taftcollege.edu/tcwp/oldagenda/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/BP_2200.pdf Archived 2013-07-03 at the Wayback Machine
  30. ↑ BP 2100: Board Elections. Taft College, 14 May 2003. Web. 21 May 2012. http://www.taftcollege.edu/tcwp/oldagenda/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/bp_21001.pdf Archived 2013-07-02 at the Wayback Machine
  31. ↑ Taft College Faculty Association. "Faculty Association." Taft College. Taft College, 2011. Web. 21 May 2012. http://www.taftcollege.edu/tcwp/instruction/?page_id=492
  32. ↑ "Taft College Chapter 543." California School Employees Association. California School Employees Association, n.d. Web. 21 May 2012.http://www.csea.com/content/main/chapters/chapterdetails.asp?section=mychapter&navid=9&chapterID=543
  33. ↑ "Scott Baker Stats". Baseball Almanac. Retrieved November 26, 2012.
  34. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 41. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
  35. ↑ Frank Litsky (16 January 1996). "Health Problems Over, Runner Set for Millrose". New York Times. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  36. ↑ Peahl, Larry. Taft Chronology History. Unpublished. 47. Print. Available in Taft College Library.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.