Enrollment at Southern Arkansas University reached a new record for the second consecutive year during the fall 2010 semester. University officials announced an increase of 4.86 percent over fall 2009 with 3,379 students taking undergraduate and graduate courses.
“This is SAU’s highest enrollment in history, and our campus housing also has record numbers,” said SAU President Dr. David Rankin. “The expansion of programs and facilities at SAU plus the expanded Arkansas Academic Challenge scholarship program are all contributing factors.”
There were 1,366 students living in oncampus housing, up 104 students over fall 2009. The University Village apartments house 254 of the on-campus residents, and according to J Courson, associate dean for housing, the apartment complex had never been that full. Overall, all on-campus housing has increased in occupancy for several years.
“We’ve been jumping 5-to-7 percent for the past few years,” he said. “I’m pretty pleased with what we’ve got going on.”
“The energy and enthusiasm is exciting,” said Dr. Donna Allen, vice president for student affairs. “I appreciate all of the hard work and long hours given by so many to prepare for our largest enrollment ever.”
The total enrollment for fall 2010 reflected an increase of 154 students over 2009. Of the total enrollment, 645 were beginning freshmen, up from 619 beginning freshmen in 2009. The total undergraduate enrollment was 2,941, and the total graduate enrollment was 438.
