Dear Colleagues:

As many of you are aware, we’ve made a concerted effort to increase enrollment, improve retention, and sharpen recruitment efforts over the past nine months.  I’m pleased to report signs of success, actually in record numbers. Our total undergraduate applications stand at 9,703 (9,325 on main campus and 378 on the Lambuth campus).  The actual application activity reports are linked below for your convenience.  Freshman applications are up 85%, with out-of-state freshman applications up a remarkable 229%.  I continue to be impressed that in-state freshman applications are increasing, up 51%. Transfer applications are up 24%, and total applications are up 75%.   Given the volume, we’re still processing applications.  Freshman admissions are up 23%, transfer admissions are up 22% and total admissions are up 23%. 

 Activity for the Lambuth campus continues to be the strongest we’ve seen since taking on the campus; clearly we’re getting some traction and making progress.  With respect to freshman applications, we’re up 179%, with out-of-state applications targeting Lambuth up an amazing eightfold.  The fact that we’re getting out of state activity specific to Lambuth is great to see and critical to progress on that campus.  Total applications (including transfers) are up 116%.  Freshman admissions are up 50%, with total admissions (including transfers) up 52%.  The early and strong trends continue. 

 Please join me in thanking all those involved, in particular vice-provost Betty Huff and director of admissions Steve McKellips, among a host of others. 

 Link to application reports:  http://www.memphis.edu/provost/application_activity_reports.php

 Go Tigers!

 M. David Rudd, Provost