NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

9/16/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES -Northwestern State University had its fifth consecutive record enrollment for the fall semester as 10,546 students enrolled for classes. Last fall's student population was 10,505.

"We are glad to have any increase in enrollment. That is a continued sign of the good things happening at Northwestern," said NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb. "Students respond to the personal attention they receive at Northwestern. Our student-oriented environment is combined with first-rate academics and varied extracurricular activities to give those who attend Northwestern a full-college experience."

According to Webb, NSU's faculty, staff and alumni along with current students and the city of Natchitoches play a major role in attracting students. Under the direction of the Offices of Enrollment Services and University Recruiting, the university has seen its enrollment move up steadily.

"Northwestern has continued to prosper in a very competitive environment," said Webb. "Many colleges and universities are seeking outstanding students. When many of these students visit Northwestern for the first time, they immediately feel comfortable at the university and in Natchitoches. The people associated with the university and the community let each student know they are important and they are interested in the student's future success."

Over the past year, students in Northwestern's computer information systems program have won their fourth consecutive national championships in systems analysis at the Association of Information Technology Professionals National Collegiate Conference. The ROTC program was ranked in the top 10 percent in the country by the U.S. Army's Cadet Command based on its commissioning rate, enrollment, retention and cadet quality,

The university also played a major role in reaching out to area communities.
Northwestern's Small Business Development Center generated 62 percent of loan production and 47 percent of total capitalization obtained by the 13 Small Business Development Centers in Louisiana. The Center tripled its capitalization last year, helping small businesses obtain more than $22 million.

NSU was also a major part of a collaborative effort to bring an Italian archaeologist to north Louisiana on a Fulbright Scholar in Residence program.

Alumni and friends of the university have also responded to Northwestern's first capital campaign, helping raising almost 75 percent of the campaign's $18.84 million goal with more than two years remaining.

Enrollment on NSU's campuses in Shreveport, Leesville/Fort Polk and Alexandria campus increased. A total of 6,642 students took at least one class on the Natchitoches campus, 63 percent of the total student population.

The university also enrolled more juniors and seniors, pointing to greater student retention.

"Over the past year, we involved the faculty in a 'recruit back plan,' which asked faculty to call students who were not enrolled," said Director of Enrollment Management Dr. Mary Edith Stacy. "This year, we will concentrate on strengthening academic advising. This should really help our students find the best match between their interests and a degree."

For the second consecutive year, NSU had a dramatic increase in out-of-state enrollment. After a 42 percent increase last year, 15 percent more students from outside Louisiana enrolled at Northwestern. This year, 159 out-of-state freshmen enrolled at NSU, a 38 percent increase from last fall.

According to Director of University Recruiting Jana Lucky, NSU's recruiting strategy is paying dividends.

"We are placing additional emphasis on recruiting graduate and out-of-state students along with transfer students from community colleges and junior colleges," said Lucky. "Each of our recruiters has a personal territory or area of emphasis which allows them to get to know students who are considering Northwestern."

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