Wilburton college experiences steady growth
(Press Release 08-02-10)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

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Enrollment numbers at Eastern Oklahoma State College continue to climb as they have throughout the last year and officials at the Wilburton based college say classes are being added to the class schedule for the fall semester to accommodate the increase.

“We have had to add classes almost daily because classes have been closing, especially general education classes,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Karen Harrison said.

“Right now figures for full time equivalent (FTE) students, those enrolled in 12 hours or more, are showing an 11.7 percent increase for the fall but I would expect when the final figures are in, a 12-15 percent increase would not be out of the picture,” she said.

Enrollment continues at the college through August 16 which is the last day to add a class for the fall semester which begins with night classes Monday, August 9. 

Enrollment figures for fall a year ago (2009 fall semester) indicated an increase of 11.93 percent above the previous year Vice President of Student Affairs Vic Woods said.

Spring 2010 semester increased 17.91 percent and summer 2010 figures indicated an increase of 18.05 percent for total number of students and an FTE enrollment increase of 30.24 percent.

Community colleges across the state have seen the largest increases of 35 percent overall from 6,708 to 9,057 first-time entering freshmen during the spring semester. State regents enrollment reports revealed that the total headcount for state colleges and universities is up 6.8 percent overall compared to the same time last year. A total of 178,053 students enrolled in spring classes across the state, 11,269 more than spring 2009.

While enrollment numbers continue to climb in an economically challenging environment academic standards must remain high according to Eastern President Dr. Steve Smith.

"Eastern Oklahoma State College is very pleased with our increased enrollment numbers,” Smith said.

“We appreciate the faith our students have in our academic programs.

“Academically, we believe we can compete with any institution of higher education in the state," he said.

Woods said the decision to pursue a college education is a “life changing event”.

“Whether the individual is a high school student, recent high school graduate or a working adult, Eastern provides the flexibility, atmosphere and degree plans to help develop the student’s full potential.

According to Woods, Eastern offers more than 30 degree programs and multiple career options and courses from which to choose. Courses are offered at four sites including Wilburton, McAlester, Idabel and Antlers.

For additional information or enrollment see www.eosc.edu admission section or call Eastern Enrollment Management at 918.465.1767.