WEST PLAINS, Mo.– A total of 1,920 students were enrolled for classes today, the first day of the 2013 fall semester, at Missouri State University-West Plains. This is a 1.3 percent increase over last fall’s tally of 1,894.
“We are excited that, during our 50th anniversary year, Missouri State-West Plains continues to grow,” said Chancellor Drew Bennett. “As more and more students take full advantage of the wonderful educational opportunities provided by this campus, the communities we serve benefit economically. The growth of the campus over the last 50 years from 111 students in 1963 to over 1,900 today is absolutely amazing and is certainly something we should all celebrate.”
University officials pointed out the official enrollment number for the fall semester will come after the 20th day of classes. The official number is normally higher than the first-day enrollment figure due in large part to the extended registration period for such programs as VESTA (Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance), the Missouri Sheriffs’ Association Training Academy peace officer training course, and some high school dual credit classes, they explained.
Today’s figures include enrollment numbers from Missouri State-West Plains’ extended campus in Mountain Grove and early enrollees in the dual credit/dual enrollment classes being offered this fall at several area high schools.
In addition to these students, 118 students are enrolled in the bachelor’s and master’s degree courses offered on site and via interactive television (ITV) by Missouri State University’s Outreach Program on the West Plains campus. This is a decrease of 30 from last fall when 148 students were enrolled on the first day of classes, Outreach Coordinator Deanna Smith said.
An increase in online courses by the Springfield campus may account for some of the decrease, she said. Students enrolled in these classes may be part of the local degree program offerings, but they are not included as part of the overall on-site enrollment number, she explained.