Campbellsville University announces the largest incoming freshman class in the history of the institution

by Ariel C. Emberton, staff writer/photographer, Office of University Communications

Campbellsville, KY (09/11/2020) — "We are very pleased to welcome the single, largest incoming freshman class in Campbellsville University history. With 677 new freshmen across all campus locations, we are thrilled to welcome a bright, academically strong, highly motivated, freshman class as they begin their academic careers," Dr. Shane Garrison, vice president for enrollment and professor of educational ministries, said.

As of Sept. 7, Campbellsville University's fall 2020 freshman class reached a total of 677. The total includes those students taking classes at main campus, regional centers and sites and online.

"This is as much as the total enrollment in the late '70s," Virginia Flanagan, Campbellsville University's special assistant to the president and former director of alumni, public relations and television, said.

New incoming freshman enrollment by each location is as follows: Main Campus, 490; Harrodsburg, 120; Online, 28; Louisville, 18; Somerset, 16; and Liberty, 5.

"This is an exciting number, especially in the midst of a pandemic. It demonstrates the importance of the university mission, no matter by what means that the students are gaining their CU education," Dr. Michael V. Carter, president of Campbellsville University, said.

Garrison said the 677 new freshmen surpassed the previous record of 661 set in 2018 and the 650 mark in 2019. "In light of the challenges surrounding COVID-19 and the global pandemic, growing the freshman class by 4% year-over-year is an amazing accomplishment," he said.

Garrison said the most significant enrollment increase was from Campbellsville University's Conover Education Center in Harrodsburg. Their enrollment increased by around 50 students with 120 enrolling for the fall semester.

"These are large numbers, but our faculty and staff are ready for the fall. We will be teaching with good social distances and all will be 'masked up.' It is great to be back on our campus and centers," Dr. Donna Hedgepath, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said.

The university began in-person classes Sept. 8. COVID-19 guidelines have been put in place by the CU administration to keep the faculty, staff, students and coaches safe, Hedgepath said.

"We want to thank our vast network of partners, including school administrators, educators, guidance counselors, coaches, parents and alumni, who continue to share the CU story with the next generation inspiring them to find their calling at Campbellsville University," Garrison said.

For more information about enrolling at Campbellsville University, call the Office of Enrollment at (270) 789-5000.

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with more than 11,900 students offering over 100 programs of study including Ph.D., master, baccalaureate, associate, pre-professional and certification programs. The website for complete information is www.campbellsville.edu.

Campbellsville University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the status of Campbellsville University.

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