Pueblo -- Among the many benefits of the mission, role, and name change at Colorado State University - Pueblo is a reversal of a decade-long enrollment decline. More than one year after name change legislation was signed and just two months after the name change became official on July 1, 2003, CSU-Pueblo already has begun to see results.

According to enrollment figures released this week, CSU-Pueblo reported an increase of more than 120 students for the fall semester, bringing to a halt a slide that included enrollment declines in eight of the last 10 fall semesters. Fall 2003 census figures showed an increase of 129 students, or three percent over the same time last year. Headcount at the University stands at 4,173 compared to 4,044 in Fall 2002. This increase builds on a three percent increase in
Spring 2003 and a five percent increase in Summer 2003 enrollment.

Reportable full-time equivalency (FTE), upon which a portion of university funding is based, rose 2.9 percent from 3,220 to 3,309.

"I give credit for the increase to enrollment management efforts by the entire campus community - faculty, staff, and administrators," said CSU-Pueblo President Ron Applbaum. "The increase was caused by a combination of factors, including increased visibility brought on by the name change, but more importantly, the hard work of our recruiters. They successfully communicated the institution's new role and mission to prospective students and showed how these new programs and opportunities will meet students' needs and expectations."

Provost Barbara Montgomery said increases were seen primarily in undergraduate new student and transfer enrollment. Although the enrollment increases primarily were seen at the undergraduate level, a full cohort of students in the new Master of Science in Nursing program and other graduate programs in development with CSU in Fort Collins bring hope that the graduate student population also will blossom.

Credit hours were up significantly both in the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. CSM Dean Kristy Proctor reported a significant jump in the number of biology and chemistry majors but said her college also offers support courses for other degree programs like nursing and teacher education, which both were experiencing larger numbers. She also attributed the gains to "the quality of our programs along with changes in recruiting strategy and the attractiveness of our new forensic science emphasis."

"I believe students heard our message of quality, saw that we were more visible, and that we provided the kinds of programs they want and need at a low cost compared to other universities in the state," Montgomery said.

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.