For the second year in a row, Schreiner University is celebrating an all-time record total enrollment and the biggest freshman class to date, according to University president Dr. Tim Summerlin. Summerlin announced on Sept. 7 that the 2007-2008 academic year saw 982 students on campus. That is a 5.6 percent increase over last year’s 930 enrollment numbers. The freshman class of 262, brought a 7.8 percent increase over last fall’s 243. Colleges and universities take official headcount on the 12th day of classes.

“Every year I get excited when I see that Schreiner’s enrollment numbers have grown again,” said Summerlin. “The growth means we are succeeding in getting our name and reputation more widely appreciated. It means that we are on track to becoming the size institution we have planned for. It means that more students will have the opportunity to experience ‘learning by heart,’ the special, personalized brand of education that is our tradition. And I am particularly excited that this year’s enrollment growth means that we have filled our fine new residence facility, The Oaks. The way that this whole campus works with our admission and financial aid team to reach these goals is superb.”

Peg Layton, vice president for enrollment and student services and dean of students, also is happy with the new numbers.

“We are thrilled to see our enrollment growth trend continuing and to welcome the largest freshman class in the history of the institution,” she said. “Regardless of size, our commitment to personal attention and ‘learning by heart’ is something that will never change at Schreiner.”

In its commitment to maintaining its 13:1 student/faculty ratio, Schreiner has added new full-time faculty positions in light of the increased enrollment.

“During the spring and summer 2007 we hired four new full-time faculty positions, one each in communication, English, exercise science, and information systems. This will keep our student to faculty ratio at 13 to 1. We will continue to add full-time faculty positions each year as we grow to our intended student population of 1,200,” said Dr. Mike Looney, Schreiner’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

“Of course, growth means change,” Summerlin added, "search for new faculty, review of all our programs to ensure that we are meeting our students’ needs, attention to retention of the freshman class, and planning for additional facility needs, among other things. But we are comfortable with that kind of change here at Schreiner. And we relish the opportunity to create many more relationships with our students, creating a more powerful learning community.”

In addition to the impact the increased enrollment will have on campus life, it will also have an effect on the community at large.  Fred Gamble, Schreiner University vice president for administration and finance, said the additional students will add $135,000 in direct spending to the local economy, a sum that will multiply in its economic impact.

For more information about Schreiner University, visit our Web site at www.schreiner.edu or call the Admission office at 830-792-7217.