ATU-Ozark sees big jump in spring enrollment

Spring enrollment at the Ozark campus of Arkansas Tech University reached 1,213, an impressive increase of 53.3% compared to spring 2009.

What’s more, the spring 2008 enrollment of 791 was up 18% over the spring 2007 number.

“The Ozark campus continues to serve the educational and training needs of the region, and this fact is demonstrated through our increased Spring enrollment,” Dr. Jo Blondin, ATU-Ozark chancellor said in a statement.

Enrollment was below 300 in 2004 when Blondin was hired as chancellor. The campus also saw a busy summer 2009 session with 244 students enrolled, up 61% over the summer 2008 period.

Blondin and officials at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith have in the past said job losses at manufacturers and other employers in the Fort Smith region have played a part in higher enrollments.

Of the 1,213 students enrolled in fall 2010, 796 are considered full-time students and 674 are female and 539 are male. ATU-Ozark officials say some of the more popular programs include air Conditioning and refrigeration, automotive service technology, business technology, EMT/paramedic, and licensed practical nursing.