Ohio University had another record-breaking year of enrollment among its first-year students, which was also the case within several of its colleges.
The 2023 freshman class includes 4,516 students, which beat the previous record-breaking class of 2022, which had 4,441 students, according to a university release.
The Russ College of Engineering and Technology had a record-breaking year with 432 first-year students enrolled in the 2023 Fall Semester.
Russ College of Engineering and Technology Dean, Patrick Fox, said he has recognized the increasing importance of engineering in today’s world, and believes that the increasing enrollment within the college shows it.
“Our mission has always been to cultivate the next generation of problem solvers, innovators, and leaders for society, and with this record number of incoming students, we will increase our impact even more,” Fox wrote in an email.
Fox said, on behalf of the college, they are delighted to have and to work with the first-year students and are giving them a warm welcome into the College of Engineering and Technology.
Other notable increased enrollment among OU’s colleges include the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Fine Arts.
The College of Arts and Sciences had an increase of 1,140 students enrolled in the 2022 Fall Semester.
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Matthew Ando, who was named dean in 2023, said he is excited to lead and support this new group of students and to help them flourish in their future careers.
“This surge in student interest reflects growing recognition that Ohio University is committed to making it possible for students to come to OHIO and then to supporting them while they are here,” Ando wrote in an email.
Ando also said he believes the growth is a reflection of how the college encourages students to be able to engage with one another, faculty and the community, helping them prepare for their future lives and careers.
“It reflects growing recognition that in the College of Arts and Sciences, students engage vigorously with each other, with faculty, and in their communities on issues that matter to them, preparing them for successful, impactful careers and fulfilling lives,” Ando wrote in an email.
The College of Fine Arts also saw a record-breaking number of enrollment of first-year students. Matthew Shaftel, dean of the College of Fine Arts, said this increase in enrollment is a testament to the vibrancy and overall appeal the college exhibits.
“Together, we are poised to continue igniting innovation and fostering a more enlightened, inclusive and harmonious society through the power of artistic expression,” Shaftel wrote in an email.
Shaftel and the college are collectively aware that the fine arts have an important impact on developing the future and believe the increased number of students is just one example of that ideology.
“We understand that the arts are a vital force in shaping the future, and the growing number of students choosing to embark on this journey with us reflects their recognition of the transformative power of the arts in our rapidly evolving world,” Shaftle said.
Along with these three colleges, enrollment increased within the College of Business and the College of Health Sciences and Professions, on regional campuses and online.
The College of Health Sciences and Professions had a record enrollment class with 645 first-year students, and 6,871 students across all OU campuses.
