Greenwood, SC – Lander University Continues to Grow with Fall 2024 Enrollment
Lander University has kicked off the 2024-25 academic year with enthusiastic energy, highlighted by an all-time high in new student enrollment. The fall semester began on Monday, Aug. 19, marking a significant milestone for the 152-year-old institution. At the midpoint of the first week, the total student headcount reached 4,423. This includes 1,471 new first-time freshmen, new first-time graduate, and new undergraduate and graduate transfers—an impressive 7% increase over last year’s incoming cohort.
Lander University’s freshman class has expanded by 6%, while the sophomore class has seen an even more substantial growth of 12%. Additionally, graduate and online enrollment numbers have risen by 4%.
“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.”
The University’s vibrant campus life is another major draw for students. The 10 residence halls are near full capacity, housing 1,750 residents. To accommodate this influx, Lander made a substantial investment over the summer, ensuring renovations and improvements to student housing. A significant remodel of the Grier Student Center Dining Hall was also completed in time for the fall semester. The updated dining hall has already made a positive impact, serving nearly 3,500 meals during its first weekend and 2,600 meals on the first day of classes.
Looking forward, more exciting developments are set for the fall semester, including the opening of a new outdoor pool and recreation facility. This new space features a large pool, pavilion, and expansive patios with waterside seating, aimed at enhancing the student experience.
“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 are part of Lander’s strategic growth efforts over the past nine years, which have resulted in an approximate 59.5% increase in enrollment since 2015. This year, university administrators have strategically planned to moderate this growth to maintain the quality of education and adequate resources.
Dr. Jim Colbert, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, highlighted that Lander has hired 20 new faculty members this year to address both retirements and program growth, with several ongoing searches still in progress. “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,” said Dr. Colbert. “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.”
