Last week, Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) welcomed new and returning students, kicking off the Fall 2024 semester on Monday, Aug. 19. With 2,985 freshmen on the first day of classes, EKU set a new freshman enrollment record, surpassing the previous high of 2,931 set in 2015.
“In a time of national enrollment decline, our continued growth highlights EKU’s unwavering commitment to student success, affordability and delivering a top-tier educational experience,” said EKU President David McFaddin. “Setting new records in freshman enrollment reaffirms that EKU is a destination of choice. By offering degrees with a strong return on investment, we ensure that an EKU education is a high-value pathway to rewarding careers.”
According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduate enrollment has decreased at about a 1.5% rate each year since 2011. In the past four years, EKU has seen a 24% increase in freshman enrollment, despite trends of declining enrollment across the nation.
The Campus Beautiful had an energetic feeling in the air as EKU’s class of 2028 arrived. EKU’s traditional Big E Welcome included five days of events designed to get students acquainted with campus and their classmates, including move-in day, college open houses and the Big E class photo. Freshmen walked through the Turner Gates on Thursday evening for the Welcome Walk, symbolizing the start of their Eastern Experience.
On Friday evening, singer and rapper Flo Rida performed a concert in the Ravine for new and returning students as part of Big E Welcome festivities and the Exceptional Eastern Experience (E3).
“This is my third year being a Colonel Crew Leader, so I've been at all of the Big E Welcome concerts so far. I try to make it to the front with my groups so that they can have the best experience possible,” said EKU student Malina Gaworski. “I think [E3] elevates the student life experience, and it's a great way to break the ice right before classes start.”
E3 brings students together and creates a social environment that encourages campus involvement.
“My favorite part has been meeting new people. It’s not awkward—you can just walk around and talk to people, and people come up to you and talk to you!” said EKU freshman Olivia Thompson.
EKU focuses on giving students a robust and quality experience to ensure students have all the tools they need to succeed upon graduation. Student-centered investments, like the EKU BookSmart free textbook program, campus renovations, increased student resources and E3, continue to generate enrollment gains at EKU.