MURFREESBORO, NC – Chowan University’s fall 2016 enrollment of 1,534 students is the largest in school history since returning to four-year status in 1992. It is the ninth consecutive year of undergraduate student growth at Chowan. Undergraduate enrollment this fall has climbed to 1,525. Under the leadership of President M. Christopher White, enrollment has grown 97 percent since 2003.

“Chowan University is without doubt in the midst of a renewal — a growth cycle that is phenomenal and unprecedented in our history as an institution,” said White. “I see it in our faculty, I see it in the spirit of our student body, I see it in the physical growth of our campus, and I see it in the eyes of Chowan supporters both near and far.”

In addition, Chowan University was recently named the 13th fastest-growing private nonprofit baccalaureate institution in the nation by The Chronicle of Higher Education. Chowan secured its place with a whopping 116 percent increase in student enrollment over the last decade, as noted by the Chronicle's annual Almanac of Higher Education released on August 14, 2016.

New students entering Chowan bolstered the enrollment totals. Freshmen and transfer students accounted for 630 of the total enrollment. This represents the fifth consecutive year that new student enrollment has exceeded 615.

Returning student enrollment also fueled this year’s enrollment growth, with an all-time record of 833. This represents a 5 percent increase over last year. The retention of first-year students improved as well. These improvements are the positive effects of programs such as Academic Success, Academic Advising, and “I’m In,” a program that equips faculty and staff to better listen to the concerns of students.

“Chowan is an institution distinguished by the quality of relationships between students and faculty and staff,” said Danny Moore, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “As we talk to students about their Chowan experience, one of the common themes we hear is how the faculty and staff care about them and about their success. The value of our investment in these relationships is evidenced through our continued growth.

Though the highest enrollment in school history remains 1,545 in 1971, current enrollment numbers narrow the gap. With only twelve additional students needed to break the all time record, Chowan is poised to continue the current renaissance well into the future.