Graduate students choose Carson-Newman in record numbers this summer

(July 2, 2014)– Carson-Newman University is experiencing record enrollment for graduate students this summer. Along with seeing an uptick in the number of undergraduates, the school enrolled 329 summer graduate students– a 53 percent jump over last year.  

The University recorded a total enrollment of 786 this summer, a 22 percent increase over last year.

Dr. Kina Mallard, Carson-Newman’s executive vice president and provost, says the University is very pleased with its summer numbers. “During a time when many of our competitors are struggling for students, these numbers bear witness to our faculty’s dedication to developing graduate programs as well as embracing online and off-campus opportunities,” said Mallard, who also championed the school’s admissions staff.

Along with an MBA program that has “hit its stride,” Mallard credits the University’s decision last fall to launch its first doctoral program in education, as well as an Educational Specialist degree.

She also cited an initiative that began last spring to offer graduate courses in education in the Tri-Cities and Chattanooga areas. This fall Carson-Newman will add the same off-campus opportunities in Knoxville and Middle Tennessee. Carson-Newman also plans to expand into West Tennessee by fall 2015.  

Such strategic moves are a part of the institution’s greater academic plan according to Mallard.

“In today’s challenging higher education environment, universities must be ready to adapt to the needs of the market and our students,” she said. “We believe this record number for summer is confirmation that we continue to be heading in the right direction.”