ATU-Ozark reports big enrollment gain (Updated)

The Ozark campus of Arkansas Tech University reports 791 students for spring enrollment, an increase of 18% over spring 2007, and up 2% over the fall 2008 semester.

Continued increased enrollment in the past five years is behind the ongoing construction of a $2.4 million student services and conference center on the ATU-Ozark campus, according to a statement from the university. The 7,500-square-foot building, scheduled to be finished by August, will house admissions, registration, financial aid, the Career Pathways Initiative,and student accounts.

Spaces occupied by the aforementioned offices “will be reclaimed for much needed classroom space” and the old student center will become an expanded campus library, Ozark Campus Chancellor Jo Blondin noted in the statement.

ATU-Ozark also is adding new programs, such as law enforcement, physical therapy assistant and the Career Pathways program. Blondin also said the addition of “concurrent enrollment” for area high school students in classes at the college has helped boost enrollment. High school students from Booneville, Clarksville, Magazine and Ozark participate in courses offered by ATU-Ozark.

Updated Info:  Blondin said the rash of layoffs in the Fort Smith region could result in higher enrollments in the fall.

“While college enrollment across the region was impacted by the downturn in the economy and individuals looking to retrain, fall enrollment will be a better indicator of the effect of layoffs,” Blondin told The City Wire.

Blondin said many prospective students are taking advantage of adult education and development skills improvement programs before entering college.