Lincoln College Reports Second Highest Spring Enrollment in a Decade
Spring Traditional Student Enrollment up eight percent

 

[February 17, 2022] 

Lincoln College has achieved the second highest traditional student spring enrollment in a decade at the Lincoln campus, with 564 full-time students. Due to new enrollment strategies and retention initiatives, enrollment has risen 8% over last year.

International student enrollment remains on the rise. Lincoln College welcomed 16 new international students for the spring 2022 term. The institution now hosts 66 international students on-campus, representing 36 different countries. Incoming students from the United Kingdom characterized the largest group of incoming international students.

“I chose Lincoln College because of the Radio, TV, and New Media program,” said Jovana Jeremic, senior international student from Serbia. “Lincoln College provides me with all the resources I need to become a filmmaker.”

Lincoln College is celebrating these successes after two challenging years, as a result of the pandemic.

“Lincoln College experienced record-breaking traditional student enrollment in fall 2019, with a 12% increase from 2018 and residence halls at maximum capacity, only to be hit with a global pandemic,” said Lincoln College President, David Gerlach. “The year 2020 was one of the most arduous the institution has ever faced. We implemented costly safety measures, dealt with recruitment and fundraising restrictions, and shifted our teaching methods to support remote learning. Though we continue to navigate the obstacles presented by COVID-19, we are celebrating this growth in enrollment for spring,” added Gerlach.

The institution attributes much of the increase to the newly established Enrichment Academy, a retention initiative aimed at providing at-risk students with additional academic support. Students meet with Lincoln College faculty and staff members who serve as academic coaches, as well as peer mentors, once per week throughout the semester. Student grades are continually monitored and additional hours in the Academic Support Center may be required, if necessary. According to the Coordinator of Academic Enrichment, Deanne Mott, many students who graduate from the Enrichment Academy go on to serve as peer mentors for new students who need support.

“As a student I was given the chance to make a difference in my educational path to success through Lincoln College’s Enrichment Academy,” said Morwin Coney, junior theatre major. “I knew deep down that I was a scholar but didn’t live up to my potential. The Enrichment Academy gives students the opportunity to make a turnaround. I achieved my highest GPA and became President of the Gospel Choir, Alpha Psi Omega, and E-board. I joined mentoring positions as a Resident Assistant, Peer Mentor, and member of The Gents. I now have the opportunity to influence students who are in the same boat I was and help them with academic success,” added Coney.

Lincoln College remains on track in its plan to return to its historical roots as Lincoln University. In the last year, the College received accreditation to offer online baccalaureate degrees. Furthermore, students can now complete a Master of Business Administration or a Master of Science in Organizational Leadership degree through Lincoln College.

“We are one of the most affordable private colleges in Illinois and, in fact, we are competitive on price with most public universities in the state,” Gerlach said. “Students and their parents are discovering what a great value Lincoln College offers and as we grow our programs, I am confident we will continue to attract and retain students locally, statewide, and internationally.”

Lincoln College has an annual $53 million impact on the local economy.

“As Lincoln College grows it means new options for area students, new opportunities for local businesses, and more investment in the community,” Gerlach added.

[Lauren D. Grenlund]