West Texas A&M University’s 12th-class-day fall enrollment figures show a significant increase in freshmen and in several of the University’s most lauded programs.

Overall numbers as of Sept. 8 show that the University is beginning its Fall 2021 semester with a 7 percent growth in its freshman class. This is the third-highest number of first-time students in WT history.

The number of admitted doctoral students in agriculture and educational leadership rose 38 percent over 2020. WT will graduate its first cohort of educational leadership doctoral candidates in Fall 2021.

“The number of doctoral degrees awarded will be a key metric for WT to attain doctoral status, as laid out in our long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World, and as we continue to strengthen our institution as a Regional Research University,” said WT President Walter V. Wendler.

WT also is seeing growth in programs within five of the University’s six colleges:

Nearly 2 percent growth in the Department of Computer Information and Decision Management in the Paul and Virginia Engler College of Business;
12 percent growth in the Department of Mathematics in the College of Engineering;
More than 6 percent growth in the Department of Education in the College of Education and Social Sciences;
More than 3 percent growth in the Office of General and Applied Studies in the Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities; and
Almost 8 percent growth in the Health Sciences in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.

“WT is a learner-centered University, a priority in WT 125,” said Dr. Neil Terry, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The growth that we’re seeing in programs from all of our colleges demonstrates that WT offers value for a wide variety of students.”

WT’s overall enrollment saw a dip to 9,581 students, approximately 4 percent down compared to fall enrollments over the past five years.

“This is a challenging time for many institutions in higher education,” Terry said. “The pandemic might structurally alter some aspects of society and the job market, and West Texas A&M University will respond by making the necessary adjustment to academic programs and student support services.”

“What these numbers really illustrate,” said Michael Knox, vice president for student enrollment, engagement and success, “is the vital importance of student engagement. The 2020-21 academic year was hugely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly causing difficulties in getting students personally engaged in and out of the classroom. We have already begun this academic year with a huge surge in student engagement, and we are launching numerous strategic efforts to re-recruit students who did not return from Fall 2020.”

WT remains committed to being regionally responsive to the needs of the people of the Texas Panhandle, as laid out in the University’s long-term plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.

-West Texas A&M University