The incoming freshman class starting their college careers at Missouri Western State University today is the largest class in several years. The total incoming freshman class is up about 5.5 percent to 1,068, according to preliminary enrollment figures. The number of freshmen entering directly from high school is up 8.9 percent.
“Demographically, the size of high school graduating classes in Missouri is decreasing, so we’re especially excited about the increase we’ve seen in freshmen entering directly from high school,” said Dr. Jeanne Daffron, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We’re also pleased that our initiatives to increase student retention are paying off with more of last year’s freshman class returning for their sophomore year this fall.”
The freshman-to-sophomore retention rate increased 4 percent between last year and this year. Dr. Daffron said numbers also indicate this year’s freshman class continues the recent trend of being better prepared academically, as reflected by indicators like ACT scores.
Preliminary enrollment figures also indicate continuing progress in the internationalization of campus, which has been a priority of Dr. Robert Vartabedian’s since he became Missouri Western’s president in 2008. When Dr. Vartabedian arrived, there were eight international students enrolled. This fall, there are 128, an increase of about 58 percent from a year ago.
“The enrollment of international students helps our students learn to think globally and consider issues from international perspectives,” Dr. Daffron said. “A number of departments have worked very hard to increase our outreach to other countries, and we’re seeing the fruits of those efforts.”
Enrollment numbers will be finalized after the official census date in September.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Missouri Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.