KU News Release

KU sees record increase in African-American student enrollment

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas enrolled a record 30,102 students and welcomed its most diverse student body ever, including a record number of African-American students, according to fall 2008 enrollment data released today.

A record total of 1,058 African-American students now attend KU, including the main campus in Lawrence and the Medical Center campus Kansas City.

Of the 30,102 students enrolled, 12.7 percent are members of minority groups — an increase of 4.2 percent.

The freshman class of 4,483 — the largest and most diverse in KU history — showed a 28 percent increase in African-American students.

The incoming freshman class set new highs in average composite ACT scores (24.8) and in overall multicultural enrollment, with a 19.3 percent increase in those identifying as American Indian, Asian, African-American or Latino.

“The university is making great efforts to reach out to well-prepared students from all backgrounds,” said Richard Lariviere, provost and executive vice chancellor. “We want them to know they have a home at KU, and they will get a top-notch education here.”

For the past five years, the KU admissions team has traveled around the state and region to recruit students of color. The Black Alumni Chapter, part of the KU Alumni Association, has taken an active role in recruitment efforts. Additionally, the provost has recently launched the Latino Vision Council, a group of Latino community leaders from throughout Kansas, to identify recruitment strategies.

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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.