Kentucky Wesleyan College President Craig Turner announced today that the college saw a 42 percent increase in freshman enrollment for Fall 2014. The college initiated a new enrollment plan in 2011 that included increased recruitment outside the immediate region and an emphasis on beginning the recruitment process when high school students are sophomores and juniors.
“Our plan came to fruition this year because the Wesleyan community, including admissions and administrative staff, faculty, trustees and alumni, worked as a team to share the value of a Wesleyan education with prospective students,” said President Turner. “We increased recruiting outside the immediate area with an emphasis on Louisville.” The 232 students represent 18 states and 7 countries, and 37 are Louisville residents, up 10 percent from last year. Residence hall occupany grew by 21 percent.
“Wesleyan is a residential college. We offer a superior residential experience, and we believe that growth and learning are enhanced in such an environment,” shared Turner. “We encourage student life includes activities beyond our beautiful campus. When we introduce Wesleyan to prospective students, we also introduce Owensboro, and they fall in love with our city.”
Admissions staff, trained by the Owensboro Daviess County Visitors Bureau, provide tours of the city during Open Houses. Freshman orientation, KW1101, included a day in downtown Owensboro, including tours of RiverPark, the Owensboro Convention Center, the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art and visits to downtown businesses.
Total enrollment is 716 students, up from 655 last year, a 9 percent increase. Turner explained that the college is preparing for steady future growth. “Our plan is to progress to over 1000 students incrementally,” explained Turner. “For example, this year one of our dorms, Kendall Hall, is closed for extensive renovation. When it opens in August 2015, we will be prepared for another anticipated increase in enrollment.” Inquiries for 2015 freshman class have already exceeded inquiries for the 2014 class.
