Community College Week has once again named Hocking College the number one Natural Resources and Conservation Associate Degree provider in the United States.

According to data collected by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) through the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Set (IPEDS) completion survey, Hocking College granted 170 associate degrees in Natural Resources in 2012-2013 academic year. In comparison with the number two spot at 76, Hocking College granted 94 more degrees.

For more than 40 years, Hocking College has used a student centered, hands-on approach to educating their students. The main campus in Nelsonville offers more than 1,200 acres and 80 miles of trails, providing students with the necessary resources to thrive in the natural resources degree and encouraging enthusiasm through exploration and education.

Along with the on-campus amenities, Hocking College is close to multiple parks and nature centers, including Wayne National Forest. However, what really sets them apart from other community colleges is the faculty, who come from various backgrounds and agencies to create a unique team.

Kim Mullen, Dean of the School of Natural Resources said, "While it is certainly an achievement to be selected as a top provider of Natural Resources degrees, we are even more proud of the quality of the Natural Resources degrees offered at Hocking College. We are very pleased to receive this recognition and thankful to the Natural Resources faculty, staff and students who are the reason for this success."   

The School of Natural Resources offers 10 associate degree programs, including Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, Equine Health and Complementary Therapies and Natural Resources Law Enforcement. More information can be found by visiting the Hocking College website www.hocking.edu/naturalresources.

For more information on the Top 100 Associate Degree Providers list, visit www.ccweek.com.