UMO enrollment sets record high
By Staff Reports
Published in News on August 11, 2017 5:50 AM
MOUNT OLIVE -- Overall traditional enrollment at the University of Mount Olive's fall 2017 semester is expected to be around 1,060 or more -- the largest in school history.
"The increase is due to a greater percentage of students returning from last year due to enhanced academic and student support services, as well as some increases in athletic team rosters," said UMO Vice President for Enrollment Dr. Barbara Kornegay.
Other draws for students to attend the University of Mount Olive are its small campus atmosphere, the personal attention students receive from the University's faculty and staff, and the availability for students to compete in 20 NCAA Division II athletics teams.
The semester, which begins Aug. 22, includes about 280 new freshmen and 100 new transfer students.
"These figures are about the same as last year's new daytime student enrollment," Kornegay said.
Included in the new student mix are 38 international students representing Australia, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Jamaica, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Philippines, South Africa, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
"With the opening of the new lacrosse/track complex, we are able to attract more athletes interested in these teams," Kornegay said. "And, UMO athletic teams have achieved recognition for their high academic standards as well as conference championships. These accolades have brought UMO more visibility and student interest."
Kornegay said students can really sense the positive energy at UMO and are drawn to it.
"Ag Fest, our big fall recruitment effort appeals to N.C. FFA and 4-H students," she said. "In addition to continuing growth in the agriculture education program, increased program majors, such as agriculture production systems have provided more career options for students to choose from."
Other popular majors at UMO include teacher education, business, the arts and sciences.
Kornegay said that enhancements to student life and to the campus itself have also played a significant role in enrollment growth, as well as new and strengthened academic opportunities. A renewed focus on student employability and career preparedness is another big draw.
"Affordable tuition and competitive scholarships complete the package," Kornegay said.
With regards to the adult student population, UMO continues to support one of the largest nontraditional populations in private education.
"Our emphasis on personalized service and convenient values-based education remains a draw for our adult students looking to reach their educational goals," said UMO Dean of Extended Education Dr. Lisa Nuesell. "The addition of fully online programs, including our graduate degrees, has helped to increase the overall nontraditional population and give our students additional options and flexibility.
"In addition, our most recent launch of the bachelor of business administration degree has become our fastest growing degree program for nontraditional students by helping them to maximize transfer credits from other institutions."
The university of Mount Olive has become one of the most unique and fastest-growing private educational institutions in North Carolina, university president Dr. Philip P. Kerstetter said.
"Whether a student is getting ready to graduate from high school, wanting to transfer to a new college setting, or is a working adult with little time to earn a college degree, UMO provides students with programs to fit their individual needs in a time and setting convenient for any lifestyle," he said. "Our students see the university as a place with strong academics, flexible programming options, and a welcoming atmosphere."
The University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values.
Sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, the university has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Research Triangle Park, Washington, Jacksonville and in Smithfield at Johnston Community College.
For more information, visit www.umo.edu.