Enrollment Numbers that Reflect Your Efforts

This month, I shared with our Board of Trustees exciting news regarding preliminary enrollment figures for this fall.

What they heard — in every aspect and in every number — was a reflection of your incredible work and the allure of this special place.

In short, we announced preliminary numbers indicating a first-year class of 5,188, the largest in our history. As importantly, it is among the most diverse and academically prepared we have ever brought to campus. And, for the first time according to preliminary numbers, our total enrollment is more than 30,000 as well. You can read more about the numbers and this class at http://uknow.uky.edu/content/promise-made-promise-kept-enrollment-numbers-show-revitalization-working.

More students throughout the region are making the University of Kentucky their first choice. In part, they are drawn by news of the massive revitalization of our campus core — more than $1 billion of construction underway or about to begin, and nearly all of it self-financed. As importantly, though, they have heard that this institution is the place to continue their education, to find their passions, to realize their potential.

They understand that the University of Kentucky puts students first.

That is why we are here.

I want to thank Associate Provost for Enrollment Management Don Witt and his team, whose tireless efforts are responsible for much of our student recruitment success.

Now, of course, the hard work begins — the work of educating students and continuing our efforts to conduct research, render service and provide health care across our Commonwealth.

Where there is need in our state, we are there. It’s a value we’ve honored for nearly 150 years. It’s a value that Kentucky needs to keep for generations to come.

Thank you for what you do — for today’s students and for those who will be following in their footsteps.