College enrollment sets records

TULSA - "By this time next year it will double the amount of student housing we have on this campus." said Dr. Larry Price, President of Rogers State University.

At a ground breaking ceremony in late August, Dr. Price expressed his excitement about the new $11.5 million project underway.

"It will add 254 new beds... hopefully this time next year we won't have to turn anyone away." said Dr. Price.

Additional on campus housing is something students at Rogers State University have been asking for, the waiting list has steadily grown since 2007.

2007- 38 students
2008- 90 students
2009- 139 students
2010- 233 students

"We anticipate these (the new rooms) will be full this time next year, we have plans for phase 2 to add another 250 beds." explained Dr. Price.

Rogers state is one of many campuses across the state struggling to keep up with the growth.
RSU set a record enrollment number for the third consecutive semester. Students are realizing now more than ever the importance of a college degree.

"My mission is to try to get through school, find a viable degree that will put me in the job market immediately." said Jordan Wong, RSU freshman.

The trend is statewide, Oklahoma state, NEO A&M in Miami, and Northeastern State in Tahlequah all report increased enrollment over last fall.

Tulsa Community College currently has the largest enrollment numbers in the programs history.

"We have over 20,000 students attending TCC this fall." said Lauren Brookey, VP External Affairs TCC.

TCC is adding courses and part time professors to keep up. Brookey said the college is even partnering with other universities for space.

"We have classes we offer on the NSU campus in Broken Arrow we also have some classes we offer at the OSU-TULSA campus downtown." said Brookey.

TCC is also seeing a large increase in enrollment for online courses, a trend officials believe will continue to grow.

"Recently we added a building downtown dedicated to providing the type of course material online students need so we can add courses but don't have to expand buildings." explained Brookey.

Many colleges and universities are attributing the economy to the influx of students. In an effort to get a new job or save a current job adults are returning to college to further their education.

At Oral Roberts University officials are catering toward the non traditional student. For the first time ever, ORU is offering an adult degree program.

"We're reaching out to working adults who have 65 or more credit hours from other institutions. We meet one night a week for 2 back to back classes and students can finish a degree in 1 year." said Wendy Shirk, ORU Dean of Arts and Cultural Studies.

Joshua Kuhn is one of the many adults enrolled in the Leadership Studies program. He currently has a full time job but never finished his degree.

"This obviously opens up lots of opportunities for me not just in the company but even further on in my career should I chose to do something else." said Kuhn.