Last week on the first day of classes, Missouri State University set two new records.

First, we set a record for the biggest increase in first-time new in college (FTNIC) students. The incoming FTNIC group increased by 17.9% to a total of 2,685.

Second, total graduate student enrollment was up 0.4% to 4,288, setting another new record.

We made some big changes this year to make Missouri State more accessible and affordable for students. Our launch of the MoState Access Award enables undergraduate students with great financial need and Pell eligibility to attend the university and pay no tuition and fees.

Enrollment increases in several strategic areas

Enrollment in several key areas also increased:

• The number of underrepresented students increased by 4.6% to 2,627 students.
• Full-time student enrollment increased by 3.3% to 13,675 students.
• Total credit hours increased by 3,733 (1.8%).

This is all great news!

Missouri State looks more like the demographics of the state.

This is also good news financially. Full-time students take more classes than part-time students – leading to more credit hours. This directly translates to a better financial picture for the university.

More work to do

One area where we didn’t grow this year was continuing students. We’re down 383 (2.9%) in total continuing students.

While it’s important for us to focus on recruitment, we also need to focus on student success and retention.

We’re moving to a centralized advising model for our freshmen and sophomore students, and we hope that will help. We also have several groups working on plans to help students be more successful.

Resources for our students

College students face many challenges. Missouri State is here to help. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with key support resources on our campus:

• The Bear CLAW.
• The Bear Pantry.
• Counseling Center.

I’m thankful to all whose efforts helped us achieve new enrollment records this fall. Your role matters. No matter your job title, each of us plays a role in recruiting, retaining and graduating students.

Recruitment isn’t only the responsibility of admissions. Retention isn’t only the responsibility of Student Success. Everyone at the university can, and should, help support recruitment and retention.

Official enrollment report available Sept. 25

Total opening day enrollment is down very slightly – by 0.5%; however, we expect that number to go up by census.

Official enrollment reports will be based on enrollment at the end of the day on Sept. 25. Reports should be available Sept. 27.

A record of a different kind

In addition to the enrollment records set last week, August also marked a record gift to the university.

On Aug. 18, we announced the largest single gift to the university. We thank the C.W. Titus Foundation for their eight-figure gift, which will support construction of a state-of-the-art facility named in honor of Judith Enyeart Reynolds designed to enhance arts, social sciences and humanities education.

The fall semester is off to a great start.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State.

Clif