2024 State of the College Address
September 20, 2024
LTCC's 2024 State of the College: A Little College Doing Big Things
Lake Tahoe Community College (LTCC) President Jeff DeFranco delivered his 8th State of the College Address (SOCA), celebrating the institution's accomplishments and reaffirming its commitment to students, faculty, staff, and the local community. The theme for this year's address, "This is Coyote Country," encapsulated the sense of pride and belonging that defines LTCC, which has grown into a beacon of innovation, inclusion, and educational success in the Tahoe Basin.
A Little College Doing Big Things
President DeFranco emphasized the notion of LTCC as "a little college doing big things." Despite its size, the college's impact on the community is significant. Among the key highlights from the past year, LTCC's designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) reflects its ongoing commitment to diversity. Currently, 25% of the college's students identify as Hispanic or Latinx, and LTCC continues to make strides to create a more inclusive campus. Efforts to strengthen this identity include new signage on campus and initiatives led by experts like Dr. Gina Garcia to guide LTCC in serving its diverse student body.
Somos LTCC and Diversity
The Somos LTCC initiative, celebrating the college’s HSI status, was a focal point of SOCA. In addition to enhancing campus representation, LTCC continues to serve a diverse community, including students from low-income backgrounds and those who are the first in their family to attend college. DeFranco pointed out that nearly three-quarters of LTCC’s graduates in 2024 came from low-income households, and more than a third were first-generation students.
Guided Pathways: A Path to Success
A central pillar of the State of the College was the college’s ongoing commitment to Guided Pathways. This comprehensive framework helps students navigate their academic journeys, ensuring they stay on track to achieve their goals. Over the past few years, LTCC has introduced Meta Majors, streamlined degree options, and enhanced career counseling to support students. Events such as Coyote Kickoff and Meta Major days have been instrumental in helping students explore academic and career options.
To ensure students succeed once they arrive on campus, LTCC has expanded wraparound services, providing scholarships, financial support, and basic needs services. The forthcoming on-campus housing, set to open next summer, will further enhance student support, offering a stable and vibrant environment for learning.
From Good to Great: The Flywheel Effect
LTCC’s commitment to continuous improvement was a recurring theme throughout President DeFranco's address. Referencing Jim Collins’ concept of the Flywheel Effect from the book Good to Great, DeFranco described how LTCC has built momentum over the years through small, consistent actions. This momentum has led to impressive milestones, including a 24% increase in face-to-face and online enrollment over the past year, marking the highest enrollment levels in LTCC’s history.
Other milestones included the success of the Lake Tahoe College Promise program, which is set to welcome its largest cohort of over 300 students this year, and a unique partnership with the United States Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center, granting credit to service members for prior learning. Additionally, the number of Latinx students enrolling in STEM fields has increased by 56%, and the number of Latinx STEM graduates doubled in 2024, reflecting the college’s dedication to equity in education.
Celebrating Students: The Class of 2024
The academic year concluded with LTCC’s largest graduation class ever, with 329 students receiving degrees and certificates. This diverse cohort demonstrated LTCC’s mission to serve all students, regardless of background. President DeFranco proudly acknowledged the accomplishments of the students, many of whom are first-generation college graduates.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Coyote Country
As LTCC approaches its 50th anniversary, the college is gearing up for several celebrations, including Alumni Weekend in August 2025 and the 50th Anniversary Gala in May 2025. Campus infrastructure continues to expand, with the completion of the Remodel for Efficiency Project and the on-track progress for the student housing complex set to open in Fall 2025. The college’s focus on sustainability and student support remains at the forefront of its mission.
President DeFranco closed his address by reaffirming LTCC’s dedication to pushing boundaries and propelling the college to even greater heights. "The flywheel is gaining momentum here at LTCC," he said. "Together, let's continue to show the world just how big this 'little' college can be."