NEWS RELEASE

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

9/17/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- For the fourth year in a row, Northwestern State University has a record fall enrollment. Northwestern had a fall enrollment of 10,505, an increase of 346 students or 3.4 percent over last fall's student population of 10,159.

"This increase in enrollment is gratifying to all of us associated with Northwestern," said NSU President Dr. Randall J. Webb. "The university is continuing to attract better students because of strong academics and a student oriented environment that gives them an opportunity to succeed."

Northwestern had enrollment increases on its Shreveport, Leesville/Fort Polk campuses and at other sites which includes electronic classes. Graduate enrollment also rose. First-time freshmen say the university has not lost its personal touch as enrollment has gone up.

"Northwestern made a good scholarship offer to me and I liked the small campus environment," said Elizabeth Hammett, a freshman fashion merchandising major from Baton Rouge. "There are smaller classes here with a good ratio of professors to students. You are also known by name and not by a number."

A stronger emphasis on out-of-state recruitment has also been successful, according to Director of University Recruiting Jana Lucky, who said the number of first-time freshman from outside Louisiana increased by 42 percent this fall.

"Everyone at Northwestern was friendly. They wanted me to come here," said Cody Newsom, a freshman general studies major from Mount Vernon, Texas. "The city of Natchitoches is also appealing with its history and events like the Christmas Festival. Everyone in the community has been very nice. When I go home, I will let people know I have been treated well here."

Attracting and keeping students is a campus wide effort which takes place year round Lucky said.

"Everyone associated with Northwestern is involved with recruiting including faculty, staff, students and alumni," said Lucky. "Even with our recent success, we are driven to continue to attract more outstanding students. The increases drive us to do more."

Lucky said the work done by Luke Dowden, assistant director of university recruiting for graduate and adult studies, and Director of Electronic and Continuing Education Darlene Williams under the direction of Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anthony Scheffler played an important role in the positive enrollment figures.

According to Lucky, NSU continues working with its students after they make their college decision. Incoming freshmen are helped by NSU's Freshman Connection program and other events planned by the Office of New Student Programs.

"The people at Northwestern got to know me on a personal level," said Mallorie Thornton, a freshman from Winnfield who is a member of the NSU softball team. "That has made the transition to college easy for me. The faculty are very knowledgeable and approachable. They give you their office hours and are available to help you if you need it."

Northwestern also has more than 100 chartered student organizations which help students feel at ease, according to freshman Michael Melsheimer of Baton Rouge.

"At a campus this size, it is easier to make friends," said Melsheimer, a freshman nursing major. "Because of getting involved, I can walk around campus and see people I know all the time. When I was a high school senior, Northwestern let me know that they wanted me to come here. I was a priority to them. I feel like I have a new family here."

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