September 11, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--The University of West Alabama for the fifth consecutive year posts record enrollment, with a total of 4,157 on-campus and online students taking classes at the institution this fall, according to UWA registrar Clarence Egbert.

The 15 percent enrollment increase from fall 2006 is due to a two percent growth on the Livingston campus and a 38 percent growth of students taking classes over the Internet. This is the first time the University has exceeded 4,000 students.

“An enrollment of more than 4,000 students is a significant milestone for UWA,” President Richard D. Holland said. “We have to thank the faculty, staff, students and alumni for helping us reach our enrollment goals because I believe the increase is due to the awareness of our quality programs and our caring environment.”

On-campus enrollment increased this fall to 2,220 students, the third highest on-campus enrollment in the institution’s history. This growth is due in part to a 21 percent hike in new transfer students.

UWA’s online enrollment is up 38 percent from a year ago, with 1,937 students taking advantage of the more flexible schedules offered by this type of coursework. When the University began its online program in 2002, only 13 students were signed up. The popularity of the program, which now offers 14 master’s degrees and two bachelor’s degrees, is evidenced by the tremendous growth in enrollment in only five years.

The University is currently in the planning stages for a new residence hall, which will house more than 500 beds. According to Holland, modern student housing will attract more quality students to the Livingston campus.

“We take great pride in our residential experience, and, in fact, the residential experience is what we are founded on,” Holland said. “New student housing is one of the keys to continuing the University’s growth and meeting our enrollment goals in the future.”

This fall’s entering freshman class also scored better than the previous class on the ACT college entrance exam, with an average score of 20.9 out of a possible 36. Recruiting better students, an area Holland says the University is working on, improves retention and keeps enrollment numbers up.

For more information about attending The University of West Alabama, please contact the Office of Admissions at 1-888-636-8800.