DANVILLE (WSLS 10) - "We toss around the term 'perfect storm' a lot, but this really has become a perfect storm for us," said Patrick Henry Community College VP for Institutional Advancement Dr. Greg Hodges.
That perfect storm for Patrick Henry Community College is a combination of a roughly 4.5-percent cut in state funding to all community colleges in the upcoming budget year, a state-mandated raise for faculty and staff and declining enrollment.
In 2014, the college went through a similar situation and only had to cut volunteers.
"I am afraid this year we're not going to have that luxury. Again, the cuts are just too deep," Hodges stressed.
The college is increasing its retirement incentives and plans to cut between two to four low-enrollment programs and all of the faculty and staff associated with the programs.
But even with these cuts, the college is focused on expansion.
"If you're only cutting, then you're in a mode of perpetual cutting," Hodges pointed out. "So, we're also looking at areas of potential growth. We've got some industries that are partnering with us, that are looking at us and asking us to help them fulfill their work needs."
At Danville Community College, the perfect storm has led to eight positions, including six faculty positions, being put on the chopping block.
"If we can reorganize and have other faculty take responsibility for the programs, we can keep some of the programs," said DCC President Dr. Bruce Scism.
But like PHCC, while the college is making cuts, it's also continuing to expand.
"Online delivery, for example, the modality of that. Secondary is, shifting more towards a non-credit workforce education," Scism said.
The college is also working to develop curricula focused more on helping students use what they're learning to become entrepreneurs.