42 ONE February-March 2016
At Welch College>> Welch College Ranks #31 Among U.S. News & World Report’s Best Welch College received notification that it ranks 31st among “Best Regional Colleges” (South Region) in U.S. News & World Report’s 2017 edition of America’s Best Colleges guidebook according to President Matt Pinson. “We are so pleased that Welch College is not only ranked among America’s best colleges but is moving up in the rankings,” President Pinson said. “This respected national study confirms that the college’s academic programs are recognized by the broader academic community as well as our supporters. It’s also another reminder to prospective students and their parents that Welch College remains a top-quality institution of higher learning that delivers its educational promise.” The “Best Regional Colleges” category includes 334 institutions that focus on undergraduate education and offer a range of degree programs in the liberal arts, and in professional fields such as business, nursing, and education. Colleges in this category are ranked within four geographic regions: North, South, Midwest, and West. U.S. News rankings offer opportunity to judge the relative quality of institutions based on widely accepted indicators of excellence: peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, alumni giving, and more. Welch College received especially high marks in three strategic areas—percent of classes under 20 students (89%), average first-year retention rate (69%), and freshmen in top 25% of high school class (52%). Provost Greg Ketteman said, “This marks the tenth time Welch College has been included in the U.S. News listing of best colleges. This is a testimony to the hard work our faculty and staff pour into our students. Their commitment to excellence is paying off in national recognition among professional educators that Welch provides a rigorous collegiate academic setting for serious students. Our goal is to create a stimulating learning environment where education is more than books and classes. We are truly a community of faith and learning.” •
Enrollment Increases Again Welch College enrolled 348 students from 23 states, one U.S. territory, and three other countries for the 2016 fall semester, according to Provost Greg Ketteman. Enrollment statistics indicate a diverse student body with a wide range of academic interests. Ketteman said, “We are pleased to see a healthy fall enrollment that includes a promising freshman class. Enrollment in our graduate, online, and Lifetime Learning programs will continue through the semester, and we anticipate final semester enrollment to approach 375 students.” At press time, the college reported 173 dormitory students, 28 commuter students, 19 graduate students, 5 Adult Degree Program students, 66 Online/Lifetime Learning students, and 57 dual enrollment students. Officials set the fall semester 2016 full-time student equivalency (FTE) at 262. By classification they include 63 Freshmen, 58 Sophomores, 66 Juniors, and 51 Seniors, as well as graduate, non-degree part-time, and dual enrollment students.
By states, students number:
Alabama – 18 Arkansas – 13 California – 1 Connecticut – 1 Florida – 13 Georgia – 11 Illinois – 14 Indiana – 2 Kansas – 2 Kentucky – 4 Michigan – 4 Mississippi – 6 Missouri – 8
North Carolina – 26 Ohio – 6 Oklahoma – 4 Pennsylvania – 2 Rhode Island – 3 South Carolina – 11 Tennessee – 145 Texas – 5 Virginia – 12 West Virginia – 1 Virgin Islands – 4 International – 32 (Bulgaria, Canada, Cuba)
President Pinson said, “With 348 enrolled students at Welch College, this fall represents the highest number we’ve seen in ten years. Our FTE is up nearly 5%, and dorm, online, and dual enrollment also continue to grow. Last spring, Welch launched its graduate program, and already we have nearly 20 students enrolled in graduate courses. These developments are positive and encouraging, and we are thankful to God for His provisions during this momentous time of excitement and transition.” To contact Welch College for more information, email recruit@ welch.edu or visit www.welch.edu.