As seen on NBC's TODAY Show in December 2006, Greenville College is bursting at the seams ... Fall 2006 record numbers, which topped 1,000 in traditional undergraduate enrollment for the first time in the history of the college, were recently eclipsed by Fall 2007 enrollment numbers of almost 1,100 students. How does Greenville account for such growth? Enhanced Admissions communication systems and focused, retention-oriented engagement with students. 

The admissions office and its counselors, under the direction of Dr. Pepper Dill, vice president for Enrollment Management, and Michael Ritter, dean of Admissions, are putting updated and enhanced Admissions publications in the hands of prospective students and their parents in addition to developing an improved strategic communication flow that encompasses high school freshmen through seniors as well as prospective transfer students. Dr. Dill states, "We have continued to refine and improve what we're communicating about GC and how we're doing it. I think the real impact we're seeing on enrollment comes from the synergy created by the combination of the cohesiveness of the message, the consistency with which it is communicated, and the 'personal' elements that are added by the Admissions and coaching staff."

"Most of the growth in the last few years is the result of effective personal recruiting from the admissions counselors and coaches," states Ritter. "The materials that we're sending have more of an impact when they're followed up with phone calls, notes, and other personal correspondence from people here on campus." He also noted a recent trend in college-bound students settling on a school close to home. This trend prompted the Admissions Office to refine regional recruiting efforts. Improved processes for transfer admissions have also contributed to enrollment growth.

The Student Success Office, headed by Dr. Will Boyd, serves as a guide for students throughout their years at Greenville College, equipping them for success in school while preparing them for what lies ahead in their profession. Students receive career service guidance from Director Tonya Holman, counseling services with Nancy Gaines and George Smith, and strengths assessment and application opportunities from Marcos Gilmore. The college maintains contacts with students throughout the summer with letters and phone calls, assuring those returning in the fall that things are going smoothly and everything is taken care of for the following year.

Athletic programs at GC also contribute to student recruitment and enrollment success. Over 400 students are involved in sports activities around campus. "We don't have the glorious field house that Taylor or IWU has," Dr. Norman Hall, vice president and dean of Student Development, stated. "We have amazing coaches." The department mission, "to develop Christian character, athletic skill and servant leadership," directs the development of our student athletes on and off the field.

A number of other factors contribute to the current enrollment watershed at Greenville College. New Student Orientation and COR101 familiarize freshmen regarding new opportunities and challenges present in college life. Residence Life staff and student government members provide additional encouragement for students to connect with peers and activities. The faculty participate in activities with students, frequently opening up their homes to academic groups and organizations. Hall recognizes that if students don't get involved, they probably won't see their purpose for staying in the GC community. Regarding the overall influence on the GC community, Hall said, "It is a triangulation effect of a lot of incredible people loving and working with some incredible students that God has led to Greenville College."

Record enrollment two years in a row may have shocked some, but not Norm Hall. "I feel God blessing us," he said. "I think it's very likely to continue for some time." He also added that the blessings GC is experiencing are due to its efforts to honor God above everything else. This is seen through Christ-centered events such as Global Impact Week, a weeklong focus on world outreach and missions; Urban Plunge, a semi-annual inner-city service weekend in St. Louis; Walkabout, a leadership training initiative; and the 30-year-strong AgapeFest, an annual Christian music festival that ministers to 5,000 youth from a multi-state region. "I think when you do those things, it precipitates a blessing."

The success of Greenville College lies in the community of students, faculty and staff. Hall states, "The greatest success comes from the community aspiring to seek Christ and understand God's world, and all of that leads to being prepared to live a meaningful life outside of college."

Related Links:

GC on NBC: TODAY Show Features GC Growth