Greenville University welcomes largest incoming class since 2008
Published: September 02, 2024
Author: Liz Dowell
GREENVILLE, Il.– The 2024 school year marks the largest incoming class at Greenville University since 2008. This year, 425 new students joined the university either traditionally or non-traditionally, just eight students shy of the record set at 438.
These new students will be attending Greenville University in many ways. There are 317 traditional undergraduate students, 68 students enrolled in online educational programs, and 40 students enrolled through Greenville University’s SMART Experience Institutes in Nashville, Tennessee and in the Dominican Republic.
Enrollment in the same categories is up 14% over 2023.
According to the Council for Christian Colleges, new student enrollment for Fall and Spring 2024 has increased at Christian colleges and universities nationwide. Greenville University saw a significant rise in enrollment, with a nearly 48% increase compared to last year.
“We are thrilled with the number of new students joining us this year,” said Victoria Clark, GU’s Chief Enrollment Officer. “This is our largest class since 2008, and we are truly blessed to have these young men and women on campus. They are here from all walks of life and from all over the world to have an experience at GU that will shape how they live the rest of their lives.”
National trends, as reported by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, show declining enrollment for Fall 2024 at rural public four-year institutions, urban private nonprofit four-year institutions, and suburban private for-profit four-year institutions. However, Greenville University has bucked this trend.
“I continue to witness God’s grace at work here time and time again,” said Suzanne Davis, Greenville University President. She expressed gratitude to God and to the dedicated faculty and staff at Greenville University for this semester’s enrollment increase. “At Greenville University, we see each student as created in God’s image, with a unique story and calling. We want to help them identify, embrace, and live in this story for the rest of their lives. Here, they will be seen, known, and empowered to live lives of character and service to those around them.”
Greenville University was recently recognized by Academic Influence for having an excellent acceptance rate. Additionally, the university ranks third among Top Christian Colleges in Illinois, by Money magazine, Forbes magazine, U.S. News, and The Princeton Review.
The new Greenville University students participated in various activities during Welcome Weekend on August 24-25. These programs were designed to help new students connect with their classmates and prepare for the upcoming school year.
A highlight of the weekend was the New Student Ceremony, a cherished Greenville University tradition. During this ceremony, new students are welcomed by the faculty and participate in an ivy-planting ceremony, symbolizing their integration into the university community. Upon graduation, students receive a piece of the ivy they planted, representing their transition from the university into the world.
The weekend also featured games, musical events, special outdoor meals, and worship services. The new student orientation continued on Monday, August 26, with sessions designed to introduce students to the campus, connect them with classmates, and meet faculty members.
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Greenville University is an accredited Christian liberal arts university with more than 1,000 students, including traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the University is located in Greenville, IL., 45 miles east of St. Louis, MO. For more information, visit www.greenville.edu.
