Renée Herzing, president of Herzing Educational System, and Gerald Lott, dean of Herzing University-Kenosha answer questions about the city’s newest college:

Kenosha News: Why locate in Kenosha?

Herzing: “We look for mid-size communities. For example, in Akron, Ohio, we’re sort of the neighborhood school. We’re a ‘high touch’ school and want to be part of the community.”

KN: Do you see yourself competing with institutes of higher education already established here like the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, Carthage College, Gateway Technical College and schools like Concordia University?

Herzing: “We feel we can complement Gateway, Parkside and Carthage.”

KN: So, who competes for students with Herzing?

Herzing: “A more direct competitor for us would be DeVry. That’s another reason we chose Kenosha: There’s not much direct competition.”

KN: How many students are enrolled in Kenosha at present?

Lott: “Fifty-six. The goal is 400 by the end of next year. Our estimates show that we could be up to 480 by that time.”

KN: What effect is the poor economy having on enrollment?

Lott: “Most of the students coming in now are unemployed. So, it’s been good for enrollment. But it’s good for them, too, because they’ll leave here with better skills and have better opportunities (for employment and careers) when it turns around.”

KN: Has Kenosha met your expectations so far?

Herzing: “It’s surpassed our expectations. We’ve gotten a wonderful welcome. It’s been fabulous.”