Deaton discusses record enrollment
At this morning's UM system Board of Curators meeting in Springfield, MO, Chacellor Brady Deaton addressed enrollment issues on campus and highlighted progress in student diversity and retention.
Deaton highlighted the universities largest freshmen class in the history of the institution, and pointed to increased underrepresented minority student enrollment as an increase in student diversity across campus.
Deaton addressed the future of enrollment, noting a decline in the projected number of Missouri high school graduates for the future and said the university is preparing for the future from a revenue standpoint.
“We’re obviously looking ahead here,” Deaton said.
The university provided $110 million in financial aid to students this academic year, Deaton said, all of which came from the university budget through merit and need based scholarships and other forms of financial aid. In addition, 300 new, part-time student jobs were created this year, providing an addition $1 million in money going to students.
Deaton touched on the universities attempts to make off-campus student housing options more inclusive with main campus, noting that students in off-campus housing are awarded the same opportunities with faculty and staff, and can make use of most on-campus facilities.
Lastly, Deaton announced the dedication of the MU Student Center in an event during Homecoming Week with special guest, Mort Walker, MU alumnus and creator of the Beetle Bailey comic strip series.