A total of 1,942 students are enrolled this fall at Missouri State University-West Plains (MSU-WP), according to official enrollment statistics for the 2024 fall semester released today.

The number reflects a 9% increase over the 2023 fall semester.

“Big smiles everywhere is how I’m describing the feeling on campus today in hearing these numbers. And not just the overall head count numbers. We have substantial increases in nearly every category that we focus on in recruitment,” Chancellor Dennis Lancaster said.

]“New students, transfer students, A+ students, our ASCEND students, student athletes and students enrolled at our Shannon Hall campus in Mountain Grove, all saw substantial increases this year,” he added. “We’re thrilled by what we’re seeing today!”

]A breakdown of some of those numbers show:

• First-time freshmen enrollment is up 14%.
• Transfer student enrollment is up 71%.
• Enrollment of students eligible for the A+ Program is up 22%.
• The number of students attending classes at Mountain Grove is up 70%.
• The number of continuing students increased 5%.
• Students enrolled in the TJ Swift House ASCEND Program for autistic students increased from five last fall to 22 this fall.

MSU-WP’s final overall enrollment figure includes students taking classes at the West Plains and Mountain Grove campuses, as well as online, through high school dual credit/dual enrollment programs, and through the Viticulture and Enology Science and Technology Alliance (VESTA) of which MSU-WP is a member.

Behind the increases

University officials believe several factors played a role in the enrollment increases this year.

“This semester we experienced growth in some key academic programs,” said Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Orf. “The expansion of the online LPN-to-RN bridge program has allowed for growth in our nursing program, and other programs like business, health professions and engineering technology also experienced growth this semester.”

“We also saw a 71% increase in our new student transfer enrollment this year,” added Dr. Angela Totty, vice chancellor for student services. “Students who began their educational journey elsewhere have transferred to our institution, in part, to participate in the new athletic opportunities available.”

MSU-WP has added baseball and rodeo to its list of competitive intercollegiate athletic teams this fall, she noted.

“But we also believe the uncertainty with FAFSA processes this year aided our campus and attracted students because of our known affordability,” she added. “That idea is further supported by a 22% increase in students who utilized their A+ eligibility. Students could be confident in the A+ award while federal aid was still unknown.”

In addition, obtaining ownership of the Grizzly Lofts residence hall played a role in enrollment, Totty said. The facility on Missouri Avenue is housing nearly 200 students this fall, a record for MSU-WP.

“The record number of resident students on campus this year has led to an interest in more seated classes,” she explained. “Although that has reduced the number of students taking online courses, the collegiate atmosphere that has been created by the increase in students living on campus has breathed new life into the athletic events and student activities.”

Lancaster said a lot of effort by many people went into the positive enrollment news this fall. “In all ways, our enrollment numbers this fall are testament to a lot of great work by our team. From our admissions staff and advisers to our faculty and coaches, each stepped up to make our new enrollment strategy work in a challenging environment for all of higher education right now,” he explained.

“With a great fall semester in place, our focus will now be helping all of our students – brand new and returning – find the success they came here to achieve. It’s what we do here, and must do here,” Lancaster said.

Missouri State Outreach numbers

In addition to the students enrolled in MSU-WP courses this fall, 59 students are enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s level courses offered locally through the Missouri State University Outreach office.