MURFREESBORO – With a huge class of incoming freshman and improved retention rates, Chowan University’s enrollment has broken the 1,000 student mark to reach a grand total of 1,078 students for the Fall ’09 semester.

“This is the largest enrollment in Chowan’s senior college history, with more students than we’ve seen in nearly 30 years,” proudly stated Chowan President Chris White,. “And to do this in the midst of an economic recession is just absolutely tremendous.”

According to White, reaching 1,000 in enrollment has been an institutional goal since it was decided to reinstate Chowan to four-year status back in 1992. White attributed the success to a significant jump in incoming students, with this year’s freshman class of 544 pushing enrollment up more than 125 students over last year’s student body while also raising the average freshman grade point average.

“Our successful student enrollment just goes to show you that people now realize the high quality education and the personal attention of a Christian environment that you can receive at Chowan University,” said CU Vice President of Enrollment Management and Dean of Admissions Chad Holt. “And they’re responding in record numbers!”

President White sees this as an excellent chance for Chowan to keep the progressive momentum going.

“Chowan is on the cusp of an exciting time in its history and it’s all being driven by this growth,” explained White. “Graduate programs are just around the corner and now there’s serious planning on major construction projects like residence halls.”

The recent growth in the student population has the university assessing its future and consulting with engineers for campus capital projects such as renovating current facilities and the possibilities of building new resident living spaces.

“Our dreams are now reality,” added Vice President for Development John Tayloe. “Through the continued support of alumni and friends, Chowan can think big. We hope the Chowan community will catch wind of the blessings that God has bestowed upon us.”

Chowan University’s celebratory inertia is good news for the whole community and as well as on the regional front.

“This is just one example of all the hard work from everyone in the community,” said Murfreesboro Mayor Lynn Johnson. “For me, it’s heart-warming to see people working together for the betterment of all and I feel like the town of Murfreesboro and Chowan University are on a road to a greater tomorrow.”

Accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Chowan offers 63 academic programs among The School of Arts and Sciences, The School of Education and The School of Business. Several departments are also individually accredited, such as Teacher Education Program’s accreditation by NCDPI and NCATE, as well as the Music program’s accreditation by NASM. Chowan offers 11 varsity programs in the CIAA conference as well as co-ed cheerleading, with dual-affiliation in the NCAA D-II and NCCAA.

For more information about Chowan University, visit www.chowan.edu or call 1-888-4-CHOWAN.