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Belmont enjoying boom in student population - The Tennessean

enrollmentgrowthgraphic.JPGFrom The Tennessean today: Belmont University has added almost 1,000 students in just four years, a 33% growth rate that probably outdistances every other school in Tennessee. The Nashville university is bringing in scores of students well ahead of its own schedule, and its leader says he isn't ready to stop.

"I'd like to say this is what we expected, but it really is astounding me with the pace," Belmont President Bob Fisher said yesterday. Belmont announced that its enrollment stands at 3,959 students this fall. That's 330 more than last year and 983 more than the school enrolled in 2000. And it's just 41 below the goal of 4,000 that Belmont had set for 2007 when Fisher took office four years ago.

Although final figures for the rest of the state aren't in for this fall, Belmont's growth clearly outpaces the state's private colleges and universities as a whole.

The Tennessean says Belmont's growth can be attributed to "strong marketing, customer-friendly offerings for adult students and word-of-mouth about several high-quality programs, especially the nationally known music business program."

"They've been very responsive to the community in terms of academic needs," Claude Pressnell, president of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association, said. "They just have got a lot of energy going right now."

Posted by the Office of University Marketing & Communications, September 1, 2004

    Belmont University's fast-growing community of about 4,000 students comes from nearly every state and more than 25 countries. Belmont is committed to premier teaching with a focus on success in the real world. Our purpose is to help students explore their passions and develop their talents to meet the world's needs. With more than 50 areas of study, eight master's degrees and two doctoral degrees, there is no limit to the ways Belmont University can expand an individual's horizon.

    Office of Marketing and Communications
    615.460.6645 Greg Pillon
    615.460.6646 Bill Hobbs

    Belmont University
    1900 Belmont Boulevard
    Nashville, Tennessee 37212
    615.460.6000
    www.belmont.edu