Last week, Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (better known as the state college board) released its enrollment figures for this fall.
Those figures showed that enrollment at Mississippi University for Women has increased by 68 students compared to last year. The W has 2,697 students enrolled this fall, which represents what might be considered a modest increase of 2.6 percent.
But the numbers alone do not tell the story, MUW President Dr. Jim Borsig insists.
After “flat” attendance the last couple of years, the uptick in enrollment should be considered as affirmation of the plan Borsig and the university has been pursuing in his three years at MUW.
First, the W’s enrollment has reached its highest point in a decade. There are also some encouraging signs tucked away in the overall attendance figures, including a healthy growth in freshman enrollment and students who live on campus.
Borsig notes these areas are significant because students who spend their entire college career at an institution tend to exhibit stronger ties the university after they have moved on to careers. It strengthens the university’s alumni association, which often means more financial support. Likewise, students who live on campus are likely to be more fully immersed in university life outside the classroom, leading to a more enriched college experience. Again, these experiences often produce a “brand loyalty” that can produce dividends far down the road.
Enrollment is not the only indicator of the health of an institution, of course, but it is an important one. As a small liberal arts school in a small town, The W finds itself faring well in what has become an ultra-competitive educational environment.
That the W can grow its attendance under these difficult circumstances is evidence that the W’s message is resonating with students.
Borsig says the W’s success should not be attributed to any one person or group of people. In fact, he says, the success isn’t even confined to university staff, employees and students. The community has embraced The W, the says, providing yet another reason why students are attracted to the school.
While the success of the W is, indeed, a collaborative effort, no institution succeeds without competent visionary leadership.
Although Borsig is often inclined to deflect or distribute credit for MUW’s success, he cannot escape his rightful share of the credit as university president.
In his three years, he has restored stability and optimism for this institution that has been a vital part of this community for 130 years. And that is no small accomplishment.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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