East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is celebrating a significant milestone in enrollment, marking the largest freshman class in its history. During the recent Board of Trustees meeting, university leaders reported a year-over-year increase of 105 students, highlighting a rebound in enrollment as institutions across Tennessee recover from the impacts of COVID-19.

Dr. Heather Levesque, who spearheads enrollment initiatives, was commended for her team's efforts in promoting the university's strengths. ETSU's enrollment figures are particularly noteworthy against a backdrop of declining budgets and enrollment losses at many other higher education institutions nationwide. The university is not only seeing an increase in local students but also attracting more out-of-state applicants, thanks in part to a recent tuition reset.

The meeting also addressed the importance of fostering a college-going culture in the region. ETSU officials emphasized the need to convert Tennessee's population growth into sustained enrollment growth. They pointed out that while other states face a demographic cliff, Tennessee is experiencing a "college-going cliff," where the challenge lies in encouraging more students to pursue higher education.

In addition to enrollment updates, the board discussed ongoing initiatives aimed at improving student engagement and support. A public awareness campaign, launched in collaboration with other state universities, aims to highlight the value of post-secondary education. This campaign will feature messaging designed to resonate with various community sectors, reinforcing the importance of higher education.

Looking ahead, ETSU is committed to addressing equity gaps in graduation and retention rates, with a goal of achieving a 60% graduation rate by the end of the decade. The university's leadership is focused on ensuring that all students, regardless of background, have the support they need to succeed academically.

As ETSU continues to build on its enrollment successes, the university is poised to play a vital role in shaping the educational landscape of Tennessee.