8/27/99

Tusculum College Enrollment Up Six Percent

Student Government Association officers are installed every year at the Opening Convocation. This year's officers are, from left to right, Sarah Fernambucq, treasurer; Jessica Gentry, secretary; Chris Crawford, vice-president; and Sarah Knoblauch and Katie Reen, co-presidents.

At Opening Convocation on Thursday, August 26, Tusculum College celebrated its largest residential college enrollment in over two decades.

Over two hundred new students arrived on campus during the week-and-a-half registration period, while previous students returned at a record number of 292.

"The really good news is retention," said Jerry Gehre, vice-president for the residential college. "This year's number of returning students represents a significant increase over previous years."

"Tusculum is poised to have a great year all around," noted Tom Garland, who is serving as interim president of the 206 year-old institution. "We have opened the Scott M. Niswonger Commons to wide acclaim by our students and faculty. We have hired new faculty to provide increased services to our students. And the good news in residential college enrollment is matched by continued strength in our Professional Studies Program for working adults."

While official enrollment figures are not released until mid-September, Tusculum College is likely to have its highest total enrollment ever at nearly 1,600 students. In the residential college, enrollment will be at its highest level since 1977.