West Liberty University celebrates largest enrollment since 1973 - WTRF 7 News Sports Weather - Wheeling Steubenville

West Liberty University celebrates largest enrollment since 1973

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  • Monday, June 17 2013 3:15 PM EDT2013-06-17 19:15:41 GMT
    The program is composed of five courses that introduce students to social media and digital tools and teach them how to use those skills to promote a business or organization.
    The program is composed of five courses that introduce students to social media and digital tools and teach them how to use those skills to promote a business or organization.

  • Monday, June 17 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-06-17 16:27:27 GMT
    Students will take five three-hour courses, including three new online social media courses. They are social media strategy, social media applications and social media campaigns.
    Students will take five three-hour courses, including three new online social media courses. They are social media strategy, social media applications and social media campaigns.

  • Sunday, June 16 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-06-16 22:30:12 GMT
    Mayor George Karos and Shepherd President Susanne Shipley signed an agreement Friday that allows city workers to get the discounts for classes that benefit the city.
    Mayor George Karos and Shepherd President Susanne Shipley signed an agreement Friday that allows city workers to get the discounts for classes that benefit the city.
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West Liberty University is marking its seventh year in a row for an increase in fall student enrollment, according to a news release from the university.

WLU reported a total student number of 2,804 for the 2012 fall term, which is the largest fall enrollment since 1973, according to Dean of Enrollment Scott Cook.

"We are pleased to report a fall enrollment number that represents the largest number of students on the Hilltop in nearly 40 years," WLU President Robin C. Capehart said in a news release. "As many schools struggle to attract students, West Liberty has been blessed with distinguished faculty, new initiatives and motivated staff that continue to bring success.

Capehart has led WLU since 2007 and also led the charge for the school to attain university status.

Cook said the school's admissions department has been recruiting in North Carolina and the Northeast, and the metro tuition rate has been expanded to include counties west to Columbus and north to Cleveland.

"Our graduation rate now exceeds the national average by 10 percent, and we are ranked high for return on investment, which is helping our enrollment stay strong," Capehart said. "We are in the midst of a capital campaign and focused on campus improvements to keep up with our growth.

"We look to the future and the fulfillment of our mission and the role of the institution as an integral part of a public system of higher education in West Virginia."