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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am thrilled with the increase in enrollment at Delta State this fall,\u201d said LaForge. \u201cRecruitment 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.<\/p>\n
“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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The IHL reported a slight 1.1 percent increase across the state\u2019s eight public universities. Delta State\u2019s increase was marked at 2.6 percent, indicating a total of 3,614 enrolled students.<\/p>\n
IHL\u2019s 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\u2019s institutions.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 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,\u201d said Bounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving steady enrollment in Mississippi public universities bodes well for our state,\u201d he added. \u201cStudies have shown that individuals holding a college degree are more likely to be employed and earn more than those without post-secondary education. Today\u2019s students will be the leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators of tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s future leaders.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d added LaForge. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe increase is the result of many people working together, both on and off campus,\u201d said Heslep. \u201cNot only did the president visit more than 45 schools, but faculty, staff, current students and alumni also played a vital role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mikel Sykes, Student Government Association president, said a noticeable buzz is in the air with more students on campus.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a student, it has been really exciting to see the energy that has been injected back into campus,\u201d said Sykes. \u201cThe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe university\u2019s recruiting staff has worked tirelessly alongside President LaForge to recruit us many new students,\u201d said Jackson. \u201cWith the increase in housing applications, and more students in the residence halls, life on campus will be so energized and exciting.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe hope to encourage even more students to move on campus and join the Delta State family.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 but the push to enroll even more students will remain constant.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have a great product at Delta State University, and we\u2019re getting that message out better than ever before through enhanced marketing, advertising and hard-hitting recruiting tactics,\u201d he said. \u201cThe news of the enrollment increase is wonderful for Delta State.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n