UVa-Wise hits new overall enrollment record

For the second consecutive year, The University of Virginia's College at Wise has broken overall institutional enrollment records.  

With registration still underway, 1,945 students had signed up for classes by Aug. 24.   The total reflects a 201 student increase over the same period last year and a 109 student increase above the final census number for fall 2004.

"Our record enrollment reflects the good work of our entire campus community and our overall commitment to student success," said Russell Necessary, vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. "It also reflects our commitment to incrementally growing our student body based on resources and improving academic quality."   The College's enrollment goal is to reach 2,000 students by 2010.

The freshman class is the most impressive in the College's history.   "The Class of 2009 is the most academically gifted and geographically and culturally diverse group of students in UVa-Wise history," said Russell Necessary, vice chancellor for Enrollment Management.

The incoming class boasts an average high school grade point average of 3.45.   Twenty-four percent ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school class.

The group of 373 students hails from 11 states and one US territory:   California, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Louisiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Virginia, and Puerto Rico.

While the number of out-of-state students coming to UVa-Wise continue to increase, so does the number of Southwest Virginia residents. Fifty-seven percent of incoming freshmen call Southwest Virginia home.   Another 15 percent hail from Northern Virginia, 13 percent are from Central Virginia, 8 percent are from Tidewater, 4 percent from Southside, and 3 percent from Shenandoah.

"Despite declining student enrollment in Southwest Virginia, UVa-Wise continues to enroll a large number of students from this region," Necessary said.   "UVa-Wise continues to demonstrate its place as the four-year college of choice for Southwest Virginia students."

Another 160 students are transferring to UVa-Wise from other institutions or after completing degrees at community colleges.   The transfer student group is also geographically diverse with 15 percent residing outside Virginia in Kentucky, Tennessee, Florida, North Carolina, New York, Connecticut, Turkey and Puerto Rico.  

Campus housing is filled to capacity with 575 students living in residence halls and another 23 students in temporary housing.   Culbertson Hall, a new 120-bed residence hall, will be completed in November offering much needed space for the growing student body.

"Students in the Southwest Virginia region and beyond are attracted by the total program we offer - our quality academic programs, our dynamic student life experience, and our beautiful campus," Necessary said.