West Liberty University President Robin C. Capehart in his monthly report to the campus community said enrollment in 2011 has increased approximately 2.5 percent from the fall of 2010 to 2,653. He added that the number of students residing in campus housing has increased by 3.2 percent to 1,305.

Dr. Susan McGowan-Koyzis, interim dean of the Honors College, explained how the university’s emphasis on academic excellence attracts highly motivated and intellectually advanced students.

“The Honors Program at West Liberty University has been a place for highly motivated students who are intellectually curious.  Moving from an Honors Program to an Honors College will significantly help to provide advanced students a greater sense of community through shared experiences which center on intellectual inquiry.  Purposeful design of Honors College coursework will result in rigorous opportunities for students to delve into subject matter that is deep, rich, and relevant to their chosen field of study,” she said.

Dr. Erik Root, Assistant Professor in the College of Liberal Arts, discussed the enhanced Learning Center on campus.  This center will give students a venue and an opportunity to improve reading, writing and mathematic skills. “Campus that offer a learning center like this one have a retention rate of 3-10% higher than those campuses that do not,” explained Root.

President Capehart also discussed the new family-friendly offerings at all WLU home football games, adding that attending an exciting college football game doesn’t have to cost a family a great deal of money. At each WLU home game, a “Kids’ Zone” fun area is offered, along with other giveaways and promotions.