Defying the odds: ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ recognized for growing enrollment by βChronicle of Higher Educationβ
The ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ was featured in a case study about enrollment by the Chronicle of Higher Education. The case study, titled, β,β was part of a November 2019 special report from the Chronicle on the looming enrollment crisis among colleges and universities.
The case study describes how ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ is facing some of the most challenging demographics in higher education, with Maine having the nationβs oldest population and the stateβs high school graduation rates continuing to fall. It points out that despite those challenges, the university welcomed one of its largest undergraduate classes in 2019. President James Herbert described his strategy of promoting ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs health profession programs, which have traditionally been its core strengths, while building on other market-aligned programs. βWe had promoted ourselves as a health-sciences university,β Herbert said, βand I found that narrative to be far too limiting.β
The article goes on to describe how the universityβs marine programs have expanded, with new offerings in marine affairs, marine entrepreneurship, and a professional science masters in Ocean Food Systems. It also discussed increased enrollment in neuroscience, animal behavior and business. Vice President for University Admissions Scott Steinberg explained how ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs online division has been another factor in the institutionβs growth. βOne of the reasons for ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs recruitment and overall success is our diversified enrollment portfolio,β he said.
President Herbert told the Chronicle that ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs spirit of nimbleness and message of distinctiveness will help ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔ continue to attract students from a wider demographic area in the future. βIβm optimistic, and I think itβs likely to continue, but weβre not resting on our laurels.β
Read more about ΒιΆΉΒγΑΔβs strategic plan, βOur World, Our Future.β
