(Jackson, MS) — Jackson State University’s spring 2013 enrollment is historic.

Mississippi’s urban university enrolled 8,760 students, the highest ever for a spring semester and a nearly 3 percent increase over spring 2012. Last spring, 8,523 students enrolled at JSU.

That figure is also the university’s third-highest overall enrollment, according to the Office of Institutional Research.

The spring 2013 enrollment also marked the first time in the university’s history that the full-time equivalency spring enrollment surpassed that of the previous fall.

JSU President Carolyn Meyers said the numbers reflect the university’s growing appeal as an educational environment that cares for its students as it prepares them for success.

“Students and their families know Jackson State provides a quality education. Our faculty and staff are committed to helping students reach their full potential,” Meyers said.

“The increase is a testament to the hard work of the Enrollment Management Council and its execution of our Enrollment Management Plan. This is extremely gratifying to me and should be extremely gratifying to them. I thank the council for its diligence,” said Meyers.

The Division of Graduate Studies, which was included in the overall enrollment figures, also showed a growth trend, along with the College of Public Service and the College of Education.

The enrollment increase is significant as it comes amid a sluggish state and national economy and changes in funding options for students. Congress recently adjusted requirements for the federal Pell Grant.  One of the congressional changes was a lowered maximum family income for students to be eligible for the full grant.

Yet, JSU’s enrollment was still up.

“This shows the level of confidence people have in JSU. They know the education they receive here is valuable,” said Nicole Evans, assistant provost and enrollment manager for JSU.

Kendrick Goldsby, an 18-year-old freshman from Jackson, said he made up his mind to continue his higher education at JSU after the fall semester.

“I tell my friends who are still in high school that they should also come to JSU,” Goldsby said. “This campus offers so much.”
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The Sun Herald, Feb. 15, 2013
JSU sets enrollment increase