Record Enrollment for Traditional Undergraduate and Graduate Programs
Commitment to science education and student engagement among keys to success
CHICAGO (September 24, 2014) – North Park University announced this week record enrollment for traditional undergraduate and graduate programs. The total of 1,955 traditional undergraduate students, an increase of 30 students over last year, and 26 more than the previous record in 2011, is a testament to North Park’s commitment to science education, as well as the University’s emphasis on intercultural learning opportunities. The total enrollment for North Park for the fall semester is 3,193.
“The ability for North Park to attract a record traditional undergraduate and graduate enrollment, at a time when enrollment in higher education nationally is a challenge, demonstrates the strength of North Park’s mission and vitality of our education program,” said University President Dr. David Parkyn. The University again appeared in the top tier of regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s 2015 edition of its annual "Best Colleges" rankings.
North Park’s demonstrated its commitment to science education with the launch of new undergraduate majors this year in engineering, health sciences, and medical studies, as well as the opening of the Johnson Center for Science and Community Life. University officials also attribute fall’s record traditional undergraduate enrollment to an increased focus on caring for North Park’s current students, with new initiatives within the Division of Student Engagement, including from the Career Development and Internships Office. Nearly 90 percent of last year’s students, excluding graduating seniors, returned for fall.
“Having the largest traditional undergraduate population in North Park University’s history is incredibly exciting, and gives us strong momentum for even more growth,” said Dr. Jodi Koslow Martin, vice president of student engagement. “What North Park does well is what students and families are looking for—a quality of education with accomplished faculty and staff who care for students. An engaging learning environment both inside and outside the classroom enables students to thrive as they work towards their degree, as well as draws new students to the community of North Park University.”
Graduate enrollment reaches new heights
North Park’s graduate programs achieved record enrollment of 758 students, eclipsing 2011’s record of 728. This includes a record 395 students in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management, in addition to a record 196 students in the master of science in nursing program in the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. In addition, the School of Adult Learning successfully launched its first graduate program, welcoming 22 students into the master of arts in counseling psychology.
“The School of Business and Nonprofit Management is delighted to welcome a record number of students to our graduate programs this fall,” said Dean Wesley Lindahl. “We have built a strong reputation in the nonprofit management field, where we are a leader in the Chicagoland area. In addition, our relationship with national organizations, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals, continues to draw future leaders from across the country to North Park.”
North Park University has offered business programs since the late 1800s, and currently awards five master’s degrees and 17 graduate certificates, many of them online and at multiple locations.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences has been preparing leaders in health care since 1965. In undergraduate and graduate programs, nursing courses and faculty uphold a caring philosophy that reflects a commitment to a culture of nursing excellence grounded in the compassion of Christ.
“In North Park’s 123-year history, we stand at a critical juncture,” Parkyn added. “This enrollment news confirms that the momentum we’ve built over the past few years is the right direction for our institution. We now have the responsibility to continue to move forward and dream of new ways to build upon our foundation of preparing students for lives of significance and service.”
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