Greenwood, SC –
Lander University kicked off the 2024-25 academic year with another impressive enrollment, including the University’s largest-ever cohort of new students. The fall semester began on Monday, Aug. 19, and by the midpoint of the first week of classes, Lander’s total headcount was 4,423. This includes 1,471 new first-time freshmen, new first-time graduate, and new undergraduate and graduate transfers – a 7% increase over last year’s new student cohort, and an all-time high for the 152-year-old institution.
Lander’s freshman class is 6% larger, while the sophomore class has risen by 12%. Graduate and online enrollment have also experienced a 4% increase.
“Lander University’s continued growth is a testament to our commitment to excellence in education and our dedication to providing students with an unparalleled experience, ” said Dr. Todd Gambill, Vice President for Enrollment and Access Management. “Students from South Carolina and across the globe are choosing Lander for many reasons: our innovative programs that drive workforce development, our supportive campus community, and the unique opportunities we offer for personal and professional growth.”
Students are also choosing Lander for its vibrant campus life, and the University’s 10 residence halls are near 100% occupancy with 1,750 residents. To help ensure those students have the best possible environment in which to live and learn, Lander made a seven-figure investment in residence hall renovations and improvements over the summer. A multimillion-dollar remodel of the Grier Student Center Dining Hall was also completed this summer, just in time for the start of the fall semester. It has already been a huge hit with students, faculty, and staff, with nearly 3,500 meals served during its first weekend of operation, and 2,600 meals served on the first day of classes.
And exciting things are still on the way for the fall semester – among them, the opening of Lander’s new outdoor pool and recreation facility, which features a large pool, pavilion, and expansive patios with waterside seating. “We are continually investing in our facilities and campus spaces to enrich the student experience at Lander and ensure our students’ time here is truly outstanding, ” said Joe Greenthal, Vice President for Finance and Administration.
These investments, as well as a focus on high quality academics and student success support, have been a part of Lander’s recipe for strategic growth over the last nine years. Since 2015, enrollment has increased by approximately 59.5%. This year, administrators planned to slow that growth to ensure adequate faculty and student resources were available.
According to Dr. Jim Colbert, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lander has hired 20 new faculty this year to address retirements and program growth, and a number of searches are still ongoing. “We are very proud of the growth we have experienced over the last nine years, and it is the result of a lot of hard work by a lot of talented people, ” he said. “Going into this academic year, we wanted to be cautious and manage that growth so that we don’t outpace our resources. This allows us to maintain the quality of education and support that our students receive.”
The weather also seems to be favoring the students as they settle into their routines at the beginning of this academic year. With clear skies and temperatures reaching a high near 90F, students are sure to enjoy their time on campus. Winds remain light and variable, providing a pleasant environment both inside and outside the classrooms.
