Record Enroll’s Drastic Effects

By Christine Johnson

The number of students enrolled at Averett University for their college education contin-

ues to grow at a record pace, according to new statistics obtained by the Averett University ad-

missions office. About 267 freshman students are enrolled at Averett for the 2015 fall school

year, and 340 transfer students. An all-time high that represents a jump from 213 freshmen last

year to 340 total this year. It also shows an increase over last fall of about 15% more students

registered.

This enrollment change wasn't light on the college. “It was crazy, we do all the evalua-

tions for your class and it was a crazy summer,” said Sherry Phelps from the office of registrar.

“The makeup of this year’s class was a lot different because of more freshmen. Resident halls are

over 100% capacity due to freshman living on campus,” said Averett’s International counselor

and Director of Admissions, Joel Nester.

The changes made for this year’s large class were well thought and strategic. Averett

knew there would be stress on residence hall space so there were several plans to accommodate

both the growth and new student life; making larger dorm rooms from doubles to triples, turning

lounges into dorms, and possibly allowing some students to live off campus. “Nothing’s been de-

cided yet, its notice may allow students to move off campus,” said Nester in his discussion of ac-

commodations.

When asked how living in a triple or quadruple dorm was for students the answers were

shocking. “It is actually fun. I made new friends and I’m never lonely or bored,” stated freshman

business major, Reuben Jeffery. Students say that everyone respects each other’s privacy so there

are hardly ever any personal complications.

There of course has to be a reason for the increased record enrollment. With getting over

50 more freshmen from last year we asked what strategies were used for the small 4 year private

school to gain so many new students. Well hard work was definitely one answer. “Academic pro-

grams helped a lot. Were really starting to see benefits of the nursing program and how that has

impacted enrollment,” Nester said. “Athletics played a big part in increased enrollment this

year.” More strategies were made on how Averett marketed students such as new software they

use to message students, and a lot more personalizations.

The neighborhood of Averett University wants to be a part of the school. “Averett is

building a name for itself,” stated a resident of the community. Although it is a small school, the

hand on attention due the schools size is also what draws parents and students attention. When

surveying some of the full time students, more than half stated that they prefer a small school be-

cause of the individual attention they would be provided within the class room.

Although the record enroll has caused Averett to make some drastic changes, when asked

how they felt about more students coming in the answer was clear. “We would definitely like to

see more enrollment growth. It needs to be discussed on how to handle that enrollment growth,”

said Nester, of the admissions office. It is evident that Averett University is on the come up as a

school, and is working toward even bigger things for the university in the near future.

Lounge converted into four person dorm

Packed lunch in the Café

Lounge converted into four person dorm

Lounge converted into four person dorm