Enrollment up at NSU, Fletcher

Nicholls State University and Fletcher Technical Community College posted modest gains in enrollment for the spring semester.

School officials at Nicholls State and Fletcher contend the increased enrollment numbers indicate that more of the Tri-parishes’ best and brightest students are opting to stay close to home to continue their education.

“The university is attracting students who are meeting the admission standards,” said Eugene Dial, Nicholl’s vice president of student affairs. “They are coming better prepared from high school.”

Fletcher spokeswoman Elmy Savoie said enrollment at the community college was up nine percent, from 1,282 last spring to 1,407 at the start of this spring semester.

“The largest increase was in the general education classes, which include many of our students who are taking prerequisites for entrance into a four-year institution or for a two-year degree,” she said.

Fletcher’s Chancellor Travis Lavigne said the area’s dual enrollment program for high school students likely contributed to the boost.

“With higher standards for college entrance, more students are taking advantage of the dual enrollment program,” he said. “They figure that if they get the prerequisites courses out of the way, it will make their college experience that much easier.”

Another attribute is the nursing program. Lavigne said more aspiring nursing students are enrolled in Fletcher’s accredited program.

At Nicholls, campus officials say the spring enrollment figures indicate continued growth and academic progress among the incoming freshmen.

Nicholls President Stephen Hulbert said it is the university’s intention to help students succeed.

“The university’s advisors have an early warning detection program where they identify the students with academic problems and help with tutoring,” he explained.

According to Dial, the 86 percent retention rate among first-time freshmen is an indication early detection works.

“The university has been doing a lot of things to increase retention,” he said. “The mathematics department has some test-pilot programs to help students be successful in math.”

Freshmen account for 84.8 percent of the university’s total enrollment increase. Nicholls’ freshmen total is up by 125 students compared to last spring’s 6,429, said Larry Howell, associate provost.

Enrollment among freshmen at Nicholls State this spring has climbed significantly, officials say. * File photo

Doug Keese