The number of applications for West Liberty University’s fall 2012 semester already is 11.3 percent higher than last year’s figures, President Robin C. Capehart said.

In his monthly campus report to faculty, staff and students, Capehart noted that enrollment for the current semester is 2,521, which is up 4.8 percent from last spring. He added that the number of in-state freshmen accepted for the fall semester is up 22.6 percent.

“These figures are very encouraging,” he said, “and reflect the recruiting efforts of the admissions counselors under Executive Director of Enrollment Services Scott Cook, as well as the good work of all of our faculty and staff. All of our employees who do their jobs well, who work with and help our students demonstrate that we are a student-friendly institution offering a high quality education.”

Capehart also acknowledged three members of faculty for outstanding academic achievements. Angela Rehbein, assistant professor of English, will be presenting a scholarly paper at the American Society of Eighteenth-Century Studies in March. Joe Horzempa, assistant professor of biology, has secured a $250,000 grant for research into vaccines. Communications instructor Ryan McCullough presented research at the National Communication Association’s convention in November.

The president also noted that WLU’s College of Education has received full accreditation for the next eight years from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Jeff Knierim, vice president for community engagement, explained that the new Community University is seeking qualified volunteer presenters to share their knowledge and passion with the older adult “life-long learners” who will attend classes at WLU’s Highlands Center and the West Virginia University Extension Office facility in Moundsville. Courses are slated to begin in March. For more information, contact Knierim by E-mail at jknierim@westliberty.edu.