MUW's enrollment report reflected that full-time enrollment is up to 1,583 compared to 1,556 the previous year.

"We are encouraged with this enrollment news," said MUW President Claudia Limbert. "Although we are pleased with these results, we as a University must remain focused on building a long-term strategy for attracting and retaining students. We must take a longer view than can be achieved in one 12-month cycle. These are good results, but we strive for more.”

As part of the long-term strategy to address recruitment and retention, Dr. Homer "Bucky" Wesley, associate vice president of student affairs at USM, was recently hired to lead MUW's combined student life, financial aid and admissions staff in a new approach to recruitment and retention. Dr. Wesley has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of enrollment, financial aid and student life.

Dr. Wesley, MUW's new vice president for student services, said, "We anticipate a slight decline in total headcount, but an increase in full time enrollment and FTE. These numbers reflect our strong belief that the University is heading in the right direction."

While overall headcount is slightly down as of Aug. 26 to 2,048 compared to 2,096 at this same time in 2002, this number is expected to increase as classes are finalized.

MUW recently received another reinforcement that it is providing a quality education at an affordable cost when it was ranked as a best value by U.S. News & World Report's 2004 guide, "America's Best Colleges." MUW was the top ranked best value in the state of Mississippi and the 11th best value in the South.

MUW also is 67 of the 100 best public colleges in America, according to Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine.