University of Mobile expects jump in enrollment this year

University of Mobile (UM) President Mark Foley reported to the board of trustees during its April 22 meeting that a 4-year-old strategic initiative to strengthen the university is paying off, and an aggressive enrollment campaign is spreading the word to prospective students.

Year-to-date applications are ahead of schedule and indications are the university will have an increase in new students, Foley explained. “We have launched an aggressive enrollment campaign over a wide geographic region, reaching throughout Alabama and beyond.”

Foley said the long-term strategy that began four years ago was designed to strengthen the emphasis on Christian faith and practice, raise academic standards, reposition tuition pricing in the independent college market, expand residential facilities and recruit academically talented students.

He said the transition resulted in a dip in enrollment, particularly as tuition was adjusted to be more competitive with other private universities in the region. With the adjustment in place, the rate of tuition increase has slowed and interest in the university among academically talented students has increased.

“We are producing the intended graduate, and we are now recognized among the top academic schools in the South,” he said, referring to the university’s recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 edition of “America’s Best Colleges.”

In other action, trustees:
– Approved a $20.9 million budget (up from $19.8 million) for fiscal year 2008–09.

– Approved a $2.4 million expansion of Ingram Cafeteria, to include a multipurpose room capable of seating 450 people. The expansion will add 7,800 square feet to the current 5,900-square-foot building. The expansion will provide additional dining spaces, room for student activities and the ability to seat up to 450 people for events and M-Fuge summer camp. Construction will begin in June and will be funded through a construction loan.

– Elected officers — James Massey of Citronelle, chairman; Lindsey Boney of Daphne, vice chair; and Gabi Constantine of Saraland, secretary. Officers are elected to one-year terms from July 1–June 30. (UM)