After several semesters of flat or declining enrollment, ENMU-Roswell is experiencing a boom in the student population this fall semester. Preliminary figures show student headcount has increased 15 percent from fall 2008. Headcount is currently 3653—with 1592 full-time students and 2061 part-time students. The number of student credit hours taken also increased by about 19 percent over last year. Fall classes began August 24.
School officials say college enrollment generally rises in a weak economy. But many new students are seeing the value of investing in their own education to prepare themselves for a better future. ENMU-Roswell is also offering a number of new programs this semester, such as air traffic control, construction trades, and national security science. In the computer information systems area, new certificates were added in networking technologies, PC technician, and help desk support specialist. Those interested in engineering design technology can pursue certificates focusing on architecture or surveying. Programs in the healthcare field, like nursing, dental hygiene, and medical assisting also continue to be popular. More than 500 local area high school students and Youth ChalleNGe cadets are also taking advantage of numerous dual credit classes available at ENMU-Roswell. These classes allow students to earn both high school and college credit. More than 1700 students are also taking online classes.
Twenty-five Presidential Scholars are new to the campus this semester. These students from throughout Chaves County graduated in the top ten percent of their high school class. The Presidential Scholarship covers tuition and fees for two years and includes a book stipend and a room and board stipend. Presidential Scholars also receive a laptop computer which they can keep upon completion of an associate degree within a two year period.
“We offer such a wide variety of programs that there is something for every type of student—whether it’s a high school graduate who wants to get a solid background of core courses before transferring to another university or an adult student who wants to find a new career or update his/her skills,” said Dr. John Madden, president. “We implemented a new student friendly scheduling process this semester in order to keep class cancellations to a minimum. Students for the most part were able to get into the classes they wanted to meet their scheduling needs. We are pleased to see such an increase in students on campus this fall and we want to hear from them on how we can keep improving our programs and services.”