Collegian T he Cameron University
www.aggiecentral.com
Monday, October 9, 2024
Volume 111 Issue 5
CAMERON UNIVERSITY Hannah Owens Managing Editor
Graphic by Hannah Owens
Cameron University has achieved a notable milestone in the fall 2024 semester, as enrollment continues to rise for the fourth time in the last five semesters. According to the university’s fall report, CU’s student population now stands at 3,700, reflecting a 3.9 percent increase from fall 2023, when 3,561 students were enrolled. This upward trend signifies the university’s resilience and adaptability in meeting the needs of its students amid an evolving educational landscape. One of the most significant figures from this semester’s report is growth in CU’s freshman class. This fall, 488 new students joined Cameron, marking a 7.25 percent increase from the previous year. Additionally, undergraduate enrollment rose slightly more than 2 percent, totaling 3,319 students. The university also saw a significant surge in graduate enrollment, which increased by a remarkable 23.3 percent, bringing the total number of graduate students to 381. Acting Director of Enrollment Management and Director of Admissions Brenda Dally acknowledged the team effort behind these results. “I feel like as a whole, the campus worked together,” Dally said. “Admissions, academic advising, departmental advising – all did a collaborative effort to make sure that we reached out to as many of the people as we can to get them to enroll.” Enrollment growth was not limited to traditional undergraduate and graduate students. Concurrent enrollment, a program allowing high school students to take college courses while completing their high school education, surged by 14.6 percent. Currently, nearly 800 high school students are taking courses at Cameron, a testament to the university’s commitment to offering
early access to higher education. This growth in concurrent enrollment is vital as it allows students to get a head start on their college degrees, preparing them for future success. CU also welcomed 235 first-time transfer students this fall, a 12.5 percent increase from the previous year, contributing to the diversity and vibrancy of the student body. The total course hours taken by students reached 37,346, an increase of 1.6 percent compared to the same time last year. Reflecting on Cameron’s success, Vice President for University Advancement Albert Johnson Jr., highlighted the university’s strengths. “We have a gross anatomy lab on campus, we have an amazing psychology department and business department, we produce great teachers,” Johnson said. “So those things are going on all the time.” Acting Dean of Students and Director of Events and Activities Leslie Cothren expressed excitement about the potential impact on student life. “I hope that it makes campus feel livelier,” Cothren said. “You can feel there’s times of the year whenever you can feel students when they’re here, just because there’s so many of them, so I really love that. And so I’m hoping that when you get more, that more will choose to take classes on campus, and so that they’ll be active and be here.” In recent years, Cameron has embraced a flexible learning model by offering traditional, online, ITV (Interactive Television), and hybrid class formats. This semester, 15 degree programs can be completed entirely online, a benefit that continues to attract students seeking alternative learning formats. The university’s versatility in delivery methods plays a crucial role in accommodating a diverse range of student needs. As the university looks to the future, it is clear that its momentum is building. Enrollment for the Spring 2025 semester will open on Oct. 25, signaling another opportunity for growth. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a collaborative campus community, CU is poised to continue its upward trajectory.
Graphic by Matthew Hasley
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