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With an economic impact of $112 million annually in Polk and Rutherford counties and supporting 2,373 jobs, Isothermal Community College was singled out Monday night for recognition by the Polk County Board of Commissioners.

At their April 4 county meeting, commissioners heard from Margaret Annunziata, Ed.D., president of Isothermal Community College, who brought a resolution to the board asking for the county to recognize April 2022 as Isothermal Community College Month, in keeping with President Ronald Reagan’s proclamation establishing a National Community College Month.

With a main campus in Spindale and a branch in Columbus, ICC provides technical training, workforce development programs, and college transfer opportunities in more than 90 areas of study, according to the resolution, adopted unanimously. Additionally, the Powers Promise and other scholarship programs allow virtually every resident in Polk and Rutherford counties to attend tuition-free.

Nationwide, there are over 1,300 community colleges, and nearly half of all undergraduate college students are enrolled in community colleges.