August 18, 2010 - Fort Valley State University’s enrollment has skyrocketed to the largest number in the institution’s 115 year history. With the start of classes this week, Wildcat country is bursting with energy and vitality as 4,086 new students, largely from Middle Georgia, South Georgia and Atlanta, settle into their new home for the next four years.
Why did new students choose FVSU? Admissions director, **** Coley says word of mouth advertising has a lot to do with it. “There is a new direction and attitude coming from FVSU students,” said Coley. “They’re selling the university on facebook, in their churches and high schools. FVSU alums are doing an excellent job helping us as well.”
To accommodate students, FVSU administrators added more classes, hired more faculty and staff in the enrollment management department, expanded dining options and changed library hours.
“We’re determined to provide excellent customer service in light of this unprecedented growth,” said Dr. Terrence Smith, vice-president of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management.
FVSU president, Larry E. Rivers is pleased with the preliminary enrollment numbers. “These are dynamic times in The Valley. We have Wildcats all over our beautiful campus. We have never seen an enrollment like this,” said Rivers. “We’ve got beautiful facilities that have come on line; a state-of-the art science academic classroom and lab building has just opened. We have a beautiful new student center to go with our gorgeous new football stadium. We have renovations underway and more new housing is planned. What a special time to be in The Valley.
The highest enrollment was slightly over 3,500 last year. The number of registered students will likely increase, but some students will not remain on campus due to financial hardships.
