TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY REPORTS AN ENROLLMENT INCREASE

UNIVERSITY CLAIMS THE LARGEST FRESHMAN CLASS

IN RECENT HISTORY AND RECORD NUMBER OF

AFRICAN-AMERICAN MALES ENROLLED AS FIRST-TIME STUDENTS

Tennessee State University kicked off its fall semester with an increase in enrollment, the largest freshman class in recent history and record numbers of African-American males enrolled as first-time students.

The overall enrollment numbers jumped to 6,827 undergraduate and 1,997 graduate students, for a combined enrollment of 8,824 students.  In addition, using a five-year enrollment analysis, records show TSU sporting the largest freshman class in recent history.  In 2005 TSU enrolled 1,205 freshmen; 2006 (1,169); 2007 (1,228); 2008 (1041); and 2009 (1,338).

Enrollment for first-year African-American males also increased, showing the largest record posted over the last five years.  This year, records indicate that 511 African-American male students enrolled as first-time students, up 115 students from last year’s count.  

According to TSU President Melvin N. Johnson, the school attributes its enrollment success to enhanced recruitment initiatives implemented by the enrollment management team, along with improved customer service and increased marketing. “We revamped the financial aid process, communicated to students earlier about financial aid deadlines and revamped the orientation program for new and returning students.  More and more students came to the University financially prepared, which resulted in less students being purged from the roster,” he said.

In spring 2008, the University also implemented Hobsons Enrollment Management Technology, a powerful software tool designed to communicate with prospects and applicants electronically. This software was used successfully by TSU, providing our Admissions Department with the necessary software to automate and execute all admissions communication plans, and track results and progress with real-time reporting features.