Howard Payne University’s largest new-student enrollment in 14 years and a wide variety of exciting welcome activities provided a memorable launch for the institution’s 2010-2011 academic year.
This fall, HPU welcomed more new students to the university than in any year since 1996. While official enrollment totals will not be finalized until the eighth class day, on the first day of class there were 325 beginning first-year students and 86 transfer students, totaling 411 new students.
“We are so pleased with the arrival of the new students to campus,” said Dr. Brad Johnson, senior vice president for institutional advancement. “It has been quite a while since we have seen this level of excitement and enthusiasm on campus. It’s a great time to be at Howard Payne.”
“This large new student class is attributed to the fantastic work of our admission and financial aid offices, our enthusiastic athletic staff and a talented and dedicated faculty and staff like you would not find in many other places,” Johnson added. “It was undeniably a campus-wide effort that made this large new class a reality.”
A vast majority of the incoming and transfer students, roughly 87%, participated in the new student orientation, Jacket Journey, from August 19-22.
“Statistics have told us for quite some time that those who participate in Jacket Journey are much more likely to be involved and stay in school than those who choose not to participate,” said Dr. Brent Marsh, vice president for student life and dean of students. “If this trend continues we are likely to see this new student class at Howard Payne University until they graduate,” Marsh added.
Student Activities Director Tyler Sellers was very pleased with the entire Jacket Journey experience.
“The event did a good job of introducing new students to the campus and culture,” he said. “I was thrilled with how engaged and involved the students were throughout the weekend and I look forward to their continued involvement in Student Life this year.”
Events through the weekend included Chime In, a traditions walk around campus, SWARM community service activities, a street party, recreation, dessert with first-year advisors, a praise and worship service led by the Baptist Student Ministry and a closing banquet at the Mabee University Center followed by dessert at the President’s home.
Freshman Lauren Norwood from Mabank, Texas, said, “Jacket Journey really helped me learn about campus and make a lot of new friends. It made me feel prepared to start school.”
Photo contributed by Kalie Lowrie. Pictured are new incoming first-year and transfer students to HPU during Jacket Journey.
