By Norm Miller, Louisiana College communications
PINEVILLE – Louisiana Colleges announced today that new student enrollment is up 14.5 percent compared to the same time last year.
The school announced Sept. 7 it has enrolled 255 new freshmen and 61 transfer students for the fall semester.
“We are elated to see the reversal of a 5-year trend,” LC President Rick Brewer said.
Additionally, the college’s recently launched Certificate in Pastoral Ministry and Missiology tracks of study enrolled 21 new students, but they are not reflected in the 14.5 percent increase.
Overall headcount at LC is up 1.5 percent compared to the same time last year – from 1,109 to 1,126, and dormitory occupancy is up by 6.5 percent.
“Our spring-to-fall 2016 retention rate of 82 percent, however, is very encouraging,” Brewer said. “An increased enrollment of first-time freshmen, a substantial number of transfer students, and a commendable retention rate indicate that families and students are discovering the outstanding value and excellent academic experience that Louisiana College provides.”
Brewer told LCNews there are many reasons for the increases.
“We initiated aggressive and strategic marketing strategies, and are experiencing growth in almost every academic area,” he said. “Results from these efforts became apparent earlier this year when we added new classes during our ‘Front of the Line’ pre-enrollment event.”
President Brewer also noted the numerous upgrades to landscaping and facilities across the campus, saying that curb appeal ranks high among prospective students.
LC has refurbished dormitories and other areas with new paint, carpet, furniture, bathroom fixtures, lighting, upgraded electrical power service, wireless internet access points, flat screen TVs with Bluetooth technology, charging ports for mobile devices, and a movie room with theater seating.
“With several of our staff having traveled the state in recent months, our efforts to meet with alumni, educators, pastors, donors, and other stakeholders have helped us re-connect the college with our friends across Louisiana,” he said.
Brewer expressed gratitude for those who joined LC’s Board of Visitors that he inaugurated about a year ago. “Our Board of Visitors have helped us at a variety of giving levels because they believe in the college’s Mission and Vision for preparing graduates and transforming lives.”
All donations through the Board of Visitors go to a scholarship fund that wholly and solely supports qualified students. “Such generosity provided more than $135,000 in scholarships to our students this year,” Brewer said.
“What has happened at Louisiana College is credited not to one person, but to the entire team that God has brought together,” he said.
“I also want to thank our trustees who continue to faithfully support the college’s Mission and Vision. And I especially want to thank our Louisiana Baptist family, whose financial and prayerful support meet crucial needs for the college,” Brewer said.
“At the end of it all, however, we must say, ‘To God be the glory.’”
