Northwest Missouri State University is seeing growth in a key segment of its student population despite an overall enrollment decline, as colleges nationwide continue to face increased competition for students.
University President Lance Tatum outlined the enrollment picture during a Board of Regents meeting last week. While campus census data was released in September, Tatum said the university is closely analyzing several indicators tied to its top priority: enrollment.
Although total enrollment fell compared with last year, Tatum said on-campus enrollment increased — a trend he described as significant.
“In the segment that constitutes this campus, and bodies on this campus, we saw growth, which is something that we have not seen in a period of time, and it is something that our colleagues are not seeing,” Tatum said.
Much of that growth is coming from neighboring states, including Nebraska, Kansas and southwest Iowa, which Tatum identified as critical markets for the university.
The university’s primary challenge remains international enrollment. Tatum said applications from international students for the next academic year are down, citing global political factors affecting those markets.
As Northwest adapts to shifts in higher education, Tatum said the university will continue emphasizing academic programs that prepare students for the workforce.
“It is important today to understand that degree programs have to be aligned to opportunities once you graduate,” he said. “That is just the reality of what today is for us.”
While maintaining opportunities for creativity and innovation, Tatum said the university must also focus on building practical skills and knowledge that lead to employment.
Tatum said Northwest Missouri State plans to announce new academic initiatives this spring that will help shape the university’s offerings moving forward.
