Delta State University's enrollment is moving in the right direction for the first time in eight years after numbers were released by the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning today.For the first time in eight years, Delta State University proudly announces an increase to its official overall enrollment after the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning released statewide numbers today.
The fall 2014 numbers indicate 91 new students, a positive sign for Delta State, which had suffered declines since 2006. President William N. LaForge has been spearheading the team effort to turn these numbers around.
“I am thrilled with the increase in enrollment at Delta State this fall,” said LaForge. “Recruitment has been a major priority of mine in my first year as president. With a net increase of nearly 100 students this fall compared to last fall, Delta State has effectively stopped and reversed the enrollment erosion trend over the last eight years.
“A lot of hard work by our team brought these new students through our doors. Our improved recruitment strategies have worked, and Delta State is moving in the right direction.”
The IHL reported a slight 1.1 percent increase across the state’s eight public universities. Delta State’s increase was marked at 2.6 percent, indicating a total of 3,614 enrolled students.
IHL’s Commissioner of Higher Education, Dr. Hank M. Bounds, said the increase shows approximately 80,000 students are building a better future for themselves by pursuing a college degree from one of Mississippi’s institutions.
“While the increase system-wide is small, it indicates that enrollment remains steady as students recognize an investment in their education today will pay dividends for the rest of their lives,” said Bounds.
“Having steady enrollment in Mississippi public universities bodes well for our state,” he added. “Studies have shown that individuals holding a college degree are more likely to be employed and earn more than those without post-secondary education. Today’s students will be the leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow.”
LaForge and fellow Delta State administrative leaders remain outspoken about working even harder to continue the expansion of the student body, thus developing more of Mississippi’s future leaders.
“We are redoubling our efforts this new academic year to persuade more high school seniors and community college transfers why Delta State is the right choice for them,” added LaForge. “Our top-notch recruiting team is already out in the field, and we will be continuing our effective strategies of aggressive outreach; high school, community college and college fair visits; personal tours for students on our campus; and personal follow-ups to attract even more students to our university.”
Dr. Debbie Heslep, dean of Enrollment Management, was very pleased with the recruiting efforts over the past year that helped make the enrollment increase possible.
“The increase is the result of many people working together, both on and off campus,” said Heslep. “Not only did the president visit more than 45 schools, but faculty, staff, current students and alumni also played a vital role.
“The Recruiting Office is looking forward to the class of 2015 and making plans for greater involvement of the president and other campus constituencies in our recruiting efforts.”
Mikel Sykes, Student Government Association president, said a noticeable buzz is in the air with more students on campus.
“As a student, it has been really exciting to see the energy that has been injected back into campus,” said Sykes. “The Student Union is always buzzing with activity and the students are engaging in campus activities more so than I’ve seen in the past couple years.”
The increase also sparked the need for additional housing options for students living on campus, a number that also went up. Over the summer, Delta State Facilities Management worked diligently to completely revamp portions of Cain and Tatum residence halls. For the first time since the end of the 2010-11 academic year, students are once again be living in these dorms.
Julie Jackson, director of Delta State Housing and Residence Life, said the need for more on-campus living options is clearly a hopeful sign of continued growth.
“The university’s recruiting staff has worked tirelessly alongside President LaForge to recruit us many new students,” said Jackson. “With the increase in housing applications, and more students in the residence halls, life on campus will be so energized and exciting.
“We hope to encourage even more students to move on campus and join the Delta State family.”
LaForge, who has appeared vigorous in his efforts since taking over as president in April of 2013, is undoubtedly pleased with the boost in numbers — but the push to enroll even more students will remain constant.
“We have a great product at Delta State University, and we’re getting that message out better than ever before through enhanced marketing, advertising and hard-hitting recruiting tactics,” he said. “The news of the enrollment increase is wonderful for Delta State.”
For additional information on enrollment at Delta State, or to learn more about the application process, contact the Office of Admissions and Recruiting at 662-846-4020.
Interested students can apply online at www.deltastate.edu.
