Lander University Continues to Grow with Fall 2024 Enrollment

Greenwood, South Carolina – Lander University Continues to Grow with Fall 2024 Enrollment

Lander University kicked off the 2024-25 academic year with another impressive enrollment, marking the start of the fall semester on Monday, Aug. 19. As of the midpoint of the first week of classes, Lander’s total headcount reached 4,423. This figure includes 1,471 new first-time freshmen, new first-time graduate, and new undergraduate and graduate transfers, reflecting a 7% increase from last year’s new student cohort and setting an all-time high for the 152-year-old institution.

Lander’s freshman class is 6% larger than last year, while the sophomore class has grown by 12%. Additionally, graduate and online enrollment has increased by 4%. These numbers demonstrate the university’s growing appeal among students.

An Unparalleled Educational Experience

“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 vibrant campus life at Lander also draws students in. The university’s ten residence halls are near full capacity, housing almost 1,750 residents. To enhance the living environment, Lander invested a substantial amount in residence hall renovations and improvements over the summer.

Campus Enhancements and Upgrades

A multimillion-dollar remodel of the Grier Student Center Dining Hall was completed just in time for the fall semester. This renovation has already proven popular, with nearly 3,500 meals served during its first weekend and an impressive 2,600 meals served on the first day of classes.

More exciting developments are also on the horizon for the fall semester. One of the highlights is the opening of Lander’s new outdoor pool and recreation facility. This facility boasts a large pool, a pavilion, and expansive patios with waterside seating, promising to be a favorite spot for students looking to relax and unwind.

Investing in Future Success

“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 and a focus on high-quality academics and student support have been essential in Lander’s strategic growth over the last nine years.

Since 2015, enrollment at Lander has increased by approximately 59.5%. This year, the administration planned to slow that growth slightly to ensure the availability of faculty and student resources. Dr. Jim Colbert, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, noted that Lander has hired 20 new faculty members this year to address retirements and program growth, with additional searches 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.”

As the weather remains sunny and hot with a high of 93°F and lows around 67°F, Lander University is poised for another successful academic year. Students and staff alike are optimistic about the new opportunities and experiences that await them.