Smith shared that preliminary figures indicate fall enrollment is on track to increase for the third consecutive year — a positive trend reflecting the university’s continued momentum in student recruitment and retention.
“After reversing a 13-year decline in enrollment, we are now entering our third year and it looks like total enrollment, when you put all three years together, will be up around 15%,” Smith said. “Year-over-year, we will see a single digit increase, but together over three years a 15% increase, which is a wonderful testament to this entire campus and everyone working together.”
An increase in enrollment prompted early considerations about on-campus housing capacity, but Brandi Jacobs-Jones, senior vice president for operations, said all students who want to live on campus will be accommodated through a variety of on-campus housing options.
Additional updates during the meeting included strategic planning initiatives, campus improvements and ongoing academic enhancements as the university prepares to welcome students back later this month.
The board, in response to recently adopted state legislation, approved a resolution that aligns the university’s policies with the new West Virginia law that the faculty representative, student body representative and staff representative shall be non-voting, advisory members.
Marshall Athletics reported positive momentum in ticket sales, with both football and soccer season tickets trending upward. New athletic director Gerald Harrison is actively engaging with staff and laying the groundwork for a strong start to the upcoming year.
Two new board members, Connor Waller, representing students and Carleen O’Neill, representing staff, were also officially sworn in at today’s meeting.