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LAWRENCE -- Minority student enrollment at the University of Kansas increased 12 percent this fall, which is the largest percentage increase on school record, university officials announced today.
According to 20th-day figures, fall enrollment at KU in the four minority groups -- African-American, Native American, Hispanic and Asian -- rose 280 students, from 2,326 in fall 2001 to 2,606 in fall 2002.
"These students not only enhance campus diversity, they also reflect that KU is recognized as a wise investment that provides a first-rate education and tremendous opportunities for all of its students," said Janet Murguia, executive vice chancellor for university relations.
The increase in minority students is just one component that led to the biggest gain in overall enrollment in 16 years at the university. KU enrollment reached 28,849, an increase of 659 students, or 2.3 percent more than the previous year. Total enrollment included 19,493 Kansas residents -- more than any university or college in the state. Resident enrollment was up 478 and nonresident by 181.
Additionally, KU is retaining more of its minority students. Of the minority students in KU's fall 2001 entering freshman class, 80 percent returned to KU this fall. That is a significant increase from the 75 percent of minority students in the fall 2000 entering freshman class who returned to KU in fall 2001.
James Carothers, interim associate vice provost, praised the quality of minority students KU attracts. The current KU freshman class includes 18 Hispanic students designated as National Hispanic Scholars and one African-American student recognized as a National Achievement Scholar.
Carothers said KU's success in minority enrollment and retention is the result of a concerted effort among the entire KU community.
"Two years ago, the Office of Admissions developed a multicultural recruitment plan that is beginning to pay dividends," he said. "The chancellor and the provost also have been very supportive and that certainly has helped."
Carothers also cited the success of Hawk Link, a minority recruitment and retention program run by the Office of Multicultural Affairs. Hawk Link recently was named one of the three most successful programs of its kind by Noel-Levitz, the nation's leading higher education consulting firm.
Despite difficult economic times and a recent tuition increase at KU, Carothers said, the university remains committed to supporting such programs.
Last month, KU announced that $150,000 from the tuition increase would be used to support minority retention programs such as Hawk Link and the University Multicultural Scholars program run by Renate Mai-Dalton, award-winning KU business professor.
Student Body President Jonathan Ng, Leawood senior, said another factor aiding recruitment and retention was the presence of minority students in key leadership roles. Ng, an Asian-American, succeeded Justin Mills, an African-American, as KU's student body president.
"For a year and a half, a minority student has held that position," he said. "I think that helps with the perceptions and attitudes about diversity."
Ng said the increase in minority students at KU reflected an inclusive mindset on campus.
"KU really does help prepare students for an increasingly diverse workplace," he said.
Other enrollment highlights:
• New undergraduate transfer student enrollment rose to 1,462, an increase of 9.3 percent, on the Lawrence campus.
• KU enrolled a first-time freshman class of 4,000-plus students for the third consecutive year.
• The total enrollment of 28,849 is KU's largest since 1993, and the fifth-largest enrollment in KU history.
• The increase of 659 students is the biggest jump since 1986, when enrollment rose 1,118.
• 30 percent of KU first-time freshmen again scored 27 or higher on the ACT or converted SAT. Nationally, only 13 percent of students who take the ACT score 27 or above. The overall ACT profile of the freshman class remained essentially stable at 24.3, the highest of any school in Kansas and well above the national average of 22.
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