UAM sets enrollment record

Will Whiting
Managing Editor

   The University of Arkansas – Monticello set a new record enrollment this fall, enrolling 2,942 students system-wide, enough to break the record set last year when 2,875 students enrolled in the UAM system.

   According to the registrar’s office, the final fall enrollment figures include 2,748 students enrolled at the Monticello campus. The UAM College of Technology – McGehee campus enrolled 103 students while the College of Technology – Crossett campus reported an enrollment of 91.

   UAM Chancellor Jack Lassiter said he believes the increase in enrollment is a sign the university is moving in a positive direction.

   “I am pleased that the University is being of service to students,” Lassiter said. “Increased enrollment means that more individuals are interested in obtaining a higher education, and they are interested in the programs that this institution has to offer to help them in reaching their educational goals.”

   Lassiter credits much of the success to Mary Whiting and her staff in the office of admissions. He said he believes the combined effort among all faculty and staff to attract new students to the university and retain current students added to the increase.

Institution	Headcount For Fall Term By Indicated Year As Reported to Arkansas Department  of Higher Education					% Headcount Change (2003-2004)	% Headcount Change (2000-2004)
	2000	2001	2002	2003	Preliminary 2004
UAM	2,306	2,332	2,482	2,875	2,942	+2.3%	+27.6%

   UAM’s increase in enrollment is part of an overall statewide increase in college enrollments for the fall semester. Data released by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education (ADHE) indicates 137,342 students enrolled in Arkansas institutions of higher education. Of that number, 124,011 enrolled at public colleges and universities, also setting a new state record. ADHE hopes the increase is a result of more Arkansans placing a greater emphasis on higher education.

      ADHE indicates that UAM had the largest percentage hike of any public four-year state institution in preliminary fall enrollment figures from the reporting period 2000-2004. ADHE reports UAM’s percentage as increasing 27.6 percent in headcount change over the course of the four-year period. The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith had the second highest increase at 25.7 percent while Arkansas Tech University was third with a 25.3 percent increase.

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