William Carey University has posted a 15 percent enrollment increase for its spring 2021 trimester. Total enrollment at WCU’s Hattiesburg, Tradition and Baton Rouge campuses is 4,742 – 668 students more than spring of last year.
“I am thrilled at the steady increase in our enrollment. In recent years, we have stressed programs that lead directly to employment and I believe our efforts are having success. I commend all faculty and staff members who have worked hard to make this happen,” said WCU President Dr. Tommy King.
This news came as William Carey students returned to campus Feb. 22 after spending much of the winter trimester in virtual classrooms. Spring trimester instruction will be delivered in several ways – small in-person classes, online classes and hybrid online/in-person classes.
“It’s wonderful to hear music again in Thomas Fine Arts Center. Remaining always vigilant with COVID-19 safety protocols is no burden when we are so blessed to have our students back on campus,” said Dr. Wes Dykes, dean of the Winters School of Music.
“We were fortunate to have an enrollment increase at the Winters School. During the pandemic, when so much must be done online, my team has found innovative ways to let students know about the wonderful programs Carey music has to offer.”
The College of Osteopathic Medicine at the Hattiesburg campus and the School of Pharmacy at the Tradition campus also showed a growth in enrollment over last year.
The School of Education, which delivers instruction at both the Hattiesburg and Tradition campuses, marked the largest increase – almost 34 percent over last spring. Dr. Teresa Poole is dean of the WCU School of Education.
"The increase in enrollment is encouraging! Our enrollment reflects students preparing to become teachers or current educators pursuing an advanced degree to increase their knowledge, which will ultimately benefit teacher quality in K-12 classrooms,” Poole said.
"The demand for fully online programs is steadily increasing, which means our efforts to meet the needs of our students by expanding the offering of online courses and fully online advanced degrees are having an impact."
William Carey University’s good news about the spring trimester follows record-breaking enrollment increases in both the summer and fall semesters.
