FULTON, Mo. ‒ The Class of 2028 excitedly crowded together on the Hill on Aug. 17 to take the ancient Athenian Oath during Westminster’s traditional Columns Ceremony — an astonishing 30 percent more new students than last year.
The 243 freshmen and transfer students are the heart of a small-by-design framework that accommodates growth without sacrificing personalization and educational strength.
Dr. Paul Orscheln, Vice President of Enrollment Services and Student Affairs, says the College is pleased to welcome so many qualified students to campus this year.
“It is truly rewarding to see that students and families across the region continue to place a high value on a Westminster education and that, more importantly, we were able to maintain the academic quality of the incoming class while also increasing diversity,” he emphasizes. “Experiencing a 30% increase in enrollment is a testament to the hard work our faculty and staff put into the recruitment and success of our students.”
Orscheln points out that the higher-education environment throughout the United States today could be described as “turbulent.” This spring, more small colleges across the country shuttered their doors forever, while experts in publications such as Inside Higher Ed reported issues with the FAFSA, decreases in acceptance rates at many colleges and universities and an incongruent increase in applications across the nation because of the Common App.
Westminster continues to defy these current trends.
In June, the National Center for Educational Statistics reported that the College was among only 50 colleges and universities in the nation — and the only one in Missouri — where applications are increasing the fastest. Westminster’s recent 30 percent increase in enrollment correlates well with the applications increase, revealing overall healthy growth at the College.
Steadily providing a high-quality, personalized educational experience appears to be the secret of Westminster’s success, whose motto is “Small college. Big impact.”
This personalization is found throughout all departments, including Westminster’s online program, which is also witnessing steadily increasing enrollment.
In sharpening this focus, the College recently expanded its Department of Student Affairs to include more oversight from the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, which frequently makes headlines for student academic and athletic success.
Derek Zander, Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Athletics Advancement and Strategic Programs, says the administrative shift recognizes a strong emphasis at Westminster on the student-athlete experience, which is well-represented by the Class of 2028.
“Westminster College is a special place where students can pursue academic excellence while participating in a highly competitive athletic department. This incoming class of students represents the hard work of our coaching staff, the enrollment office, and our faculty, who worked tirelessly to recruit a group of high-achieving Blue Jays,” Zander reflects, adding, “I look forward to working with the athletic department, and now with my responsibilities in the Student Affairs Office, to create an atmosphere that is celebrated by the entire Westminster and Fulton Community.”
ABOUT WESTMINSTER COLLEGE: Founded in 1851 and home of Winston Churchill’s “Iron Curtain” speech, Westminster College is ranked prestigiously by The Princeton Review as one of the “Best 150 colleges in the Midwest” for 2024. New graduates experience a more than 90% placement rate within six months of graduation, while Westminster alumni are in the top 16% nationwide for graduate earnings. The only National Liberal Arts college in Missouri, Westminster has long been recognized for its focus on educating and inspiring students to make an impact on the world around them. Find out more about Westminster College by visiting our website.