A&M-Commerce sets new record for enrollment

A&M-Commerce surpassed their enrollment goal on Aug. 20, 2010 and set a new record enrollment on Sept. 1.

The university registered 10,930 students for the fall semester, which is a 12 percent increase from last year's enrollment of 9,748 students.

To reach the 10,000 mark, Vice President of Student Access and Success Mary Hendrix and her staff at the Student Access and Success Center set up a special scholarship offer to students who signed up for classes on a "one-day-only" registration day during the summer.

"I knew we were going to hit 10,000, " Hendrix said, "but I didn't want to wait until the weekend. It was important for our staff to recognize and celebrate the milestone."

Hendrix said the state performance incentive program - including scholarships left over from Cash4College and other scholarship funds not taken advantage of by students - funded 35 scholarships in the amount of $100 each.

"We, as a university, decided to take our entire allocation [of left over funding] and provide scholarships," she said.

Dean of Enrollment Stephanie Holley said she was excited about reaching their goal of enrollment set in the University Strategic Plan set in place to reach 10,000 students by 2010.

"Meeting our enrollment goal allows us to remain dedicated to our university values, vision and mission while recruiting, retaining and graduation qualified students who are then prepared to contribute to our economy and our world, while providing for their families," Holley said. "In hitting this mark, everyone wins"

Interim Director of Undergraduate Admissions Jody Todhunter said this large population of students changes the whole environment of the campus.

"It's an exciting time for this university as a whole to see our enrollment surpass the 10,000 mark," he said. "Having this many students on campus infuses that collegiate atmosphere that helps students enjoy their time on campus daily."

Hendrix said physical improvements on campus are a contributing factor to the enrollment increase.

"I think all of the changes we have been able to make in the campus and the energy is making a difference, and it's everyone working together and realizing how important it is to change," she said.

Hendrix also said the connection between the Student Access and Success Center and students plays a beneficial role in recruiting and retaining students.

"We've been establishing strong relationships with public school partners as well as community college partners," she said. "I think having our One-Stop-Shop [gives us] the opportunity to focus on each individual student."

Graduate enrollment is up as well. Dean of Graduate Studies and Research Dr. Allan D. Headley said being in public eye helps A&M-Commerce's graduate programs gain notoriety.

"Factors that contribute to the increase in graduate enrollment include the continued dissemination of information about the high quality of our graduate programs and internationally recognized faculty through various avenues, such as our Graduate Expo, which was held this past spring in the metroplex," he said.

A&M-Commerce President Dan Jones said the enrollment increase is helping make A&M-Commerce more well-known as a whole.

"Our record-breaking enrollment this fall is the result of many great things coming together: a campus that has never looked better, caring faculty and staff, and most importantly, an educational experience of unparalleled quality," he said. "We're no longer ‘the best-kept secret in Northeast Texas.' Big things are happening at A&M-Commerce, and people are noticing."