FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 2, 2011
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

MUW fall enrollment up

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Fall enrollment at Mississippi University for Women is up almost 3 percent with increases in full-time and part-time enrollment.

As of Sept. 1, a total of 2,663 students were enrolled—up 76 students from last year.

Allegra Brigham, MUW interim president, said, “We are thrilled more students are recognizing the value and quality of The W experience and education. MUW excels in providing quality educational opportunities while maintaining focus on the individual student's development in leadership, service and experiential activities.”

Another area where the university saw growth was in its online nursing program.

"The tremendous enrollment growth speaks strongly to the quality and reputation of our Tupelo Campus online RN to BSN Program,” said Dr. Sheila Adams, dean for the College of Nursing and Speech-Language Pathology. “We are fortunate to have an outstanding and dedicated faculty who work very closely with the students.” 

The Tupelo online faculty members are always available to students by email, skype, phone or in person when they need help with an assignment. This strong faculty support for this online program is what makes it so popular, Adams explained.

Joyce Olmstead, a graduate of the program, spoke to this quality when she said, “…The total online convenience to the MUW RN to BSN program was most advantageous, but it was the easy accessibility to the instructors that added a dimension other programs cannot provide. The courses enhanced my leadership skills and thoroughly prepared me for graduate school."

Dr. Jennifer Miles, MUW vice president for student affairs, said, “We're delighted that our enrollment is up almost 3 percent. This is our largest enrollment since 1999 and we look forward to continued growth."

Miles added, "We are pleased to welcome our new students to MUW and we appreciate the energy and enthusiasm they bring to our campus."

One of those new students is Karen Lott of Green County, who transferred from Jones County Junior College.

Initially, Lott was attracted to MUW due to its very generous scholarship programs.

She said, “I was impressed at the attention that The W devoted to transfer students, a group that some universities tend to overlook and undervalue; this is a testament to the importance that the university places on all its students.

“After attending some on-campus events, I realized that The W had much more to offer than simply scholarships. In comparison to other universities, the faculty and students here were much more welcoming and helpful. Also, the smaller atmosphere at The W convinced me that if I enrolled, I would not be just another number, so to speak. So far, I have certainly not been disappointed.”

Also looking to capitalize on students’ enthusiasm is the Ina E. Gordy Honors College, which has about 120 students enrolled.

“In order to get your best students, you have to have an attractive program,” said Dr. Tom Velek, director.

MUW’s Honors College offers a speakers series, scholarships, money to support undergraduate research and study abroad opportunities.

“We are making a real push to recruit further out and have a presence statewide as well as out of state,” he said. “We want to have a flagship program that attracts really high achieving students and keep them here.”