Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College

A-B Tech, with strong local support, has grown in facilities and land acquisition, in enrollment, in curricula, and in expanded services to the community. The College has the largest total headcount enrollment of any institution of higher education in Western North Carolina, serving more than 27,000 students annually.

A-B Tech inspires, nurtures and empowers students and the community toward a better quality of life through progressive teaching, bold innovation and supportive collaboration.

Recent Accomplishments at AB Tech:

Building for the Future Construction Campaign

Voters approved a quarter-cent sales tax increase Nov. 8, 2011, to provide $129 million in funding for A-B Tech construction and renovation projects to provide 21st century facilities to train students for 21st century jobs.

Exceptional Rating

A-B Tech was recognized for exceptional performance by the North Carolina Community College System. The State Board of Community Colleges bases the rankings on performance measures in eight areas, including passing rates on licensure and certification examinations and curriculum student retention, graduation and transfer.

Record enrollment

The College set a record for fall enrollment in 2012, with nearly 7,800 credit students signed up for classes. The 3.7 percent increase over 2011 was attributed to A-B Tech’s flexible classes, affordable tuition and quality education.

Flexible scheduling

In January 2011, four-week classes were offered for the first time at A-B Tech. The format allows students to be registered as full time while taking only one class at a time. Four-week classes were joined by other flexible scheduling options, including nights, weekends, online and eight-week classes.

Expanded use of technology

A-B Tech has made all online course materials available via Moodle, replacing an older online learning management system. The campus wireless network was extended, giving students in each building internet access. Multiple digital media players have been install across campus to provide announcements on events, programs and information to the campus community.

Achieving the Dream

Signifying a commitment to student success and institutional improvement, A-B Tech joined Achieving the Dream: Community Colleges Count. Through Achieving the Dream, A-B Tech is identifying new strategies to improve student success, close achievement gaps and increase retention, persistence, and completion rates.

Institute for Climate Education

A-B Tech established an institute designed to educate citizens about climate-related issues. The Institute for Climate Education offers classes, workshops, seminars and other training for the general public about climate and climatology.