SFA first-year student enrollment largest since 2000
NACOGDOCHES - The number of first-time undergraduate students enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State University this fall grew 17.1 percent to 2,268, the largest number of first-year students since 2000.
Overall enrollment rose 321 students, or 2.8 percent, from 11,435 in 2005 to 11,756, the largest number of students since 1999.
"We are thrilled with the largest first-year enrollment and overall enrollment in more than half a decade," said Dr. Marlin Young, provost and vice president of academic affairs. He noted that the growth is the result of an effective enrollment management office as well as the dedicated efforts of university student service areas and faculty from across campus who work as a team to attract students to SFA.
"Our faculty members are taking time to interact with prospective students during campus-wide open houses and speaking with them in follow-up phone calls," Young said. "Faculty are treating prospective students with care and attention like they do with students in their classrooms, which results in a truly personalized education," he added.
Figures for the 12th day of classes showed that the total undergraduate enrollment rose to 10,158, an increase of 352 or 3.6 percent over fall 2005.
"During the 2006 recruiting year we continued a practice that we began in 2004 of more frequent and increased communication with prospects," said Monique Cossich, executive director of enrollment management. "Communication with prospective students and their parents contributed to the enrollment increase."
Targeted magazine, theater and television advertisements complemented personal visits to high school and community college campuses and a comprehensive direct mail program.
The communication with students continued after they were admitted, Cossich said. "We didn't take for granted that admitted students would arrive on campus, so we stayed in touch with them throughout the late spring and summer."
SFA also made progress on the state of Texas' Closing the Gaps initiative to increase college enrollment of students from underrepresented populations. The number of African American students rose to 1,951, an 8 percent increase over fall 2005. The Hispanic student population increased 13.8 percent to 950.
New university construction totaling approximately $168 million is enhancing the campus experience for students. Among the projects are residence halls, a student center and recreation center, and three new parking garages.
Lumberjack Village, an apartment-style residence hall with 610 beds, opened in August and features private bedrooms, outdoor recreation areas and an on-site convenience store. The Lumberjack Lodge residence hall opened in spring 2006.
A new student center will open in spring 2007 with a 383-seat multipurpose theatre and a variety of new dining opportunities and meeting areas.
A new 78,000-square-foot student recreation center is scheduled to open next summer. It will feature a large cardio-fitness area and a weight room; two multipurpose courts for basketball, volleyball, badminton and soccer; and a courtyard area with sand volleyball courts, a diving pool and spa, and a 270-foot-long lazy river.
"We're excited about these great new student facilities and believe they will help us attract future Lumberjacks to Stephen F. Austin State University," Cossich said.