Record freshman class welcomed to UVa-Wise

The incoming freshman class at The University of Virginia's College at Wise is expected to be the largest in the College's history. Classes began Wednesday, Aug. 21.

The 350-member class currently registered exceeds the previous record set in 1992, when 344 freshmen entered the College. The Class of 2006 also boasts the highest average SAT scores and grade point averages in the College's history. Twenty-three percent of the students rank in the top 10 percent of their high school class, 52 percent in the top quarter, and 84 percent in the top half. The group, which includes 13 valedictorians and nine salutatorians, has an average high school GPA of 3.4.

"We have made an institutional commitment to grow to 2,000 students over the next several years but to grow in the right way," said UVa-Wise Chancellor Steven Kaplan. "The incoming class is not only impressive in its size, but in the quality of the students' academic record."

New and returning students enjoyed a picnic lunch and activities fair,
following Fall Convocation activities on Aug. 20

Russell Necessary, the College's director of Admissions and Financial Aid, said the College's 1999 name change, growing national recognition, and award-winning student recruitment literature, have contributed significantly to the 26 percent enrollment growth experienced during the last two years.

"The effect of the College's name change is truly being realized as we have increased the number of students from outside the region who will join our College family this fall," Necessary said. "And although the number of high school students in Southwest Virginia is declining, we are proud to continue to attract the region's best and brightest students region."

Ninety-five percent of the freshman class are Virginia residents with 60 percent making their homes in Southwest Virginia. The number of students coming to UVa-Wise from other parts of the Commonwealth increased in all locations, except Shenandoah, which decreased slightly. Ten percent of this year's in-state students are from Central Virginia, 15 percent from Northern Virginia, two percent from Shenandoah, six percent from Southside and seven percent from Tidewater. Five percent of the College's students hail from six other states and five foreign countries.

Additionally, more students are choosing to live on the UVa-Wise campus. All 530 residential housing spots are full, making 2002 a record-breaking year for the number of students residing on campus.

UVa-Wise ranks among the nation's top 10 public liberal arts colleges in the list compiled by U.S. News and World Report.