The
University of Mississippi is titleholder as not only the flagship university
for the state, but also as the largest. This past school year alone the University
registered a record breaking number of students totaling over 22,000 across all
of the campuses. This is the University’s 19th consecutive year to
have increased student enrollment pulling a shocking 3.5% increase in
enrollment, while many colleges are facing a decline in enrollment nationwide. The
dramatic addition of students reflects just how prominent the University is and
how strong their schools and programs are becoming.
Not
only is the University getting bigger, but it is also getting smarter and more
diverse. This year’s freshman had a higher overall high school GPA than last
fall and a record breaking average ACT score of 24.1. The minority enrollment
is sitting at about 24% and around one third of the freshman class this year is
from out of state. “I like that there will be a more diverse student body,”
noted junior athletic department staff member Gabbi Rossi. The retention rate
of freshman to sophomores is what proves that a school really excels and Ole
Miss is no exception with near 81% of the students returning.
While
the increase of members in the student body is impressive, unfortunately the
extra amount of people does have its drawbacks. The campus currently cannot
sustain the spatial demand of prospective students and campus renovations are
no quick task. Recently, the University announced that it would be converting
the female sophomore dorm of Crosby into an all freshman dorm to be able to
house all first year students on campus.
The large number of students makes move in long and difficult.
“I
think that there are positives and negatives to having a greater incoming
class,” Rossi, “I think that it’s hard for housing especially with Crosby being
turned into a freshman dorm.”
Additional
campus preparations for the growing student body include the renovations off
Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and the Indoor Practice Facility as well as a $3
million project to expand the Student Union.
The
University of Mississippi is known as being the smallest of the SEC schools,
which appeals to many prospective students who are looking for a college town
that’s equipped with a exciting atmosphere but staying true to the charm of a
small Southern town. “Once I visited the campus I knew this was the place for
me,” says sophomore athletic department staff member Alane Parris, “The action
of the SEC plus the hospitality and history of Oxford was very alluring. I just
hope that it doesn’t urbanize to fit the growing population.”
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