FLORENCE – With more than 8,000 students enrolled for the fall 2019 semester, the University of North Alabama has toppled previous enrollment records set most recently in 2018 and in 2016.
The 8,046 students engaged in traditional and online academic programming at the undergraduate and graduate levels bests the record set in 2018 by 396 students, a 5.18 percent increase, and officials at UNA said this is the result of strategic, smart growth.
Ross Alexander
“UNA is thriving and proving to be a first-choice institution for all types of students – traditional, international, adult, graduate, and online,” said Dr. Ross Alexander, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. “The quality of our programs and faculty have a direct impact upon our significant and necessary growth. I could not be more pleased, especially considering that we have had a record number of graduates in each of the past two years.”
Ken Kitts
There have been increases across the board, in the freshman cohort, among international students, as well as those in graduate and online programs. Occupancy at campus residence halls also increased year-over-year, as more and more students opted for on-campus housing as part of their UNA experience. Additionally, workforce development outreach initiatives focused on adult learners have been a key driver.
“Record enrollment at UNA indicates we’re moving in the right direction as a University,” said UNA President Ken Kitts. “Many other institutions in our state and region aren’t experiencing this kind of growth, and, at UNA, I credit our quality, diversity, affordability, and relevance across our undergraduate and graduate programming as setting us apart from our peers. I’m very proud of this record-breaking year.”
This record sets a tone for growth at UNA, according to Provost Alexander, and the goal is to continue to be strategic about how enrollment will affect a number of aspects of campus and community life.
Media Release/Michelle Eubanks | p: 256.765.4392
Interim Associate Director, Communications and Marketing
University Communications and Marketing/UNA
