University Of North Alabama Tops 8,000 Students, Sets Record Enrollment

Oct. 31, 2019

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at meubanks@una.edu, 256-606-2033 or 256-765-4392 FLORENCE, AL - With more than 8,000 students enrolled for the fall 2019 semester, the University of North Alabama has toppled previous enrollment records set most recently in 2018 and in 2016. The 8,046 students engaged in traditional and online academic programming at the undergraduate and graduate levels bests the record set in 2018 by 396 students, a 5.18 percent increase, and officials at UNA said this is the result of strategic, smart growth. "UNA is thriving and proving to be a first-choice institution for all types of students - traditional, international, adult, graduate, and online," said Dr. Ross Alexander, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. "The quality of our programs and faculty have a direct impact upon our significant and necessary growth. I could not be more pleased, especially considering that we have had a record number of graduates in each of the past two years." There have been increases across the board, in the freshman cohort, among international students, as well as those in graduate and online programs. Occupancy at campus residence halls also increased year-over-year, as more and more students opted for on-campus housing as part of their UNA experience. Additionally, workforce development outreach initiatives focused on adult learners have been a key driver. "Record enrollment at UNA indicates we're moving in the right direction as a University," said UNA President Ken Kitts. "Many other institutions in our state and region aren't experiencing this kind of growth, and, at UNA, I credit our quality, diversity, affordability, and relevance across our undergraduate and graduate programming as setting us apart from our peers. I'm very proud of this record-breaking year." This record sets a tone for growth at UNA, according to Provost Alexander, and the goal is to continue to be strategic about how enrollment will affect a number of aspects of campus and community life. About The University of North Alabama The University of North Alabama is an accredited, comprehensive regional state university offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Sciences, and the Anderson College of Nursing and Health Professions. Occupying a 130-acre campus in a residential section of Florence, Alabama, UNA is located within a four-city area that also includes Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia. UNA Athletics, a renowned collegiate athletics program with seven (7) Division II National Championships, is now a proud member of the NCAA Division I's ASUN Big South Conference. The University of North Alabama is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate in the admission policy on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, disability, age, or national origin. For more: www.una.edu and www.una.edu/unaworks/