Pueblo -- If summer enrollment is any indication, the future looks bright for the newly named Colorado State University-Pueblo. According to summer enrollment figures released today, nearly 100 more students enrolled in classes during the interim and summer sessions, which ended July 29.

On July 1, the university officially changed its name from the University of Southern Colorado to CSU-Pueblo and took on a new mission as a regional, comprehensive university and a new role as a partner with Colorado State University.

Compared to Summer 2002, headcount enrollment at CSU-Pueblo rose by 92 students, from 1414 to 1,506, for an increase of nearly seven percent. Reportable full time equivalency increased by five percent from 586.3 to 614.9. The FTE figures do not include additional students enrolled in remedial courses, senior citizen waivers, faculty/staff waivers, or students studying elsewhere on exchange programs.

CSU-Pueblo President Ron Applbaum credited the increase to the addition of special programs like a summer writing institute and a more substantive summer curriculum based on student needs and demands.

"We responded to student requests to boost the number of required and elective courses in our summer schedule, and those efforts have paid off," said President Ron Applbaum. "It was a special summer to be on campus. Students had the privilege of participating in many of the name change activities and witnessing the physical transformation of their campus."

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.