Lyon College sets record enrollment mark this fall

Lyon College has set an all-time fall enrollment mark with 587 students, according to the school. That’s a 19% uptick from the fall of 2022, and it’s a 65% increase in the number of first-time students from the previous year.

At least 237 students are entering as freshman compared to 144 last year. It’s the most growth for an incoming freshman class since 2009.

“We are thrilled to welcome this remarkable group of new and returning students to Lyon College,” said Lyon College President Dr. Melissa Taverner. “Our significant growth is a testament to the dedication of our faculty and staff, the appeal of our outstanding programs, and our commitment to fostering a college community that puts students and student success first in everything we do.”

Additionally, the college had a 16% increase in new transfer students, fueled by the school’s partnerships with other institutions such as the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville.

More than half of the freshman class is from Arkansas. Lyon College’s largest feeder high schools include Batesville High School and Southside High School, both in Independence County.

Besides Arkansas, students come from 25 other states and seven different countries.

“High school students and college students looking to transfer are very sophisticated when they are comparing colleges. They know that not all diplomas carry the same value. It’s gratifying to see more and more students recognizing the exceptional opportunities available at Lyon,” said Provost Kurt Grafton. “As a native Arkansan, I am very proud of the growth at Lyon College since it also represents another big step forward for our state. We say that we at Lyon are creating ‘a better world, starting in Arkansas,’ and it’s true. Students from Arkansas and from far beyond know that a Lyon College education means success for themselves, for their families, and for their communities for decades to come.”

Lyon College Vice President for Enrollment Management Tommy Newton agreed.

“Lyon College remains committed to its mission of empowering students with a challenging curriculum that prepares them for a lifetime of leadership and service. We look forward to the continued growth and success of our student body in the years to come,” Newton said.

Founded in 1872 as Arkansas College, Lyon College recently announced the addition of a bachelor of science in nursing program, beginning in January 2024, and its first graduate program, a master of arts in teaching.

The college also plans to establish the state’s first veterinary and dental schools in Little Rock with an anticipated start date of summer 2025.