SUNO rebounds post-Katrina, fastest growing four-year institution in N.O.

Based on an analysis of enrollment data for New Orleans-area colleges and universities that appeared in the September 6, 2007 (New Orleans) Times-Picayune, from Fall 2006 (2,321) to Fall 2007 (2,643), Southern University at New Orleans' (SUNO) nearly 14 percent enrollment increase makes the school the fastest-growing 4-year institution of higher learning in the city.

The Louisiana State Office of Facilities, Planning & Control has provided SUNO with a definitive timeline for the institution to return to its main campus that was destroyed by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, something that pleases university officials. Meanwhile, SUNO continues to operate from 45 modular facilities that were constructed by FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

"Given our many challenges with returning to our original home, the news about our enrollment growth represents a major accomplishment," said Victor Ukpolo, SUNO's chancellor. "Thanks to our students for their continued support, and to our faculty and staff for continuing to work hard to effectively serve our students and educate them. Enrollment is the lifeblood of all institutions of higher learning. We continue to demonstrate our importance of providing excellent educational opportunities for students, many of whom will play a vital role in the rebuilding of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast region."

Ukpolo also credits the incorporation of innovative ideas to reach new students put forth by the institution's restructured Office of Enrollment Management Services, and an aggressive advertising campaign that employs usage of several mediums, including the Internet, radio, television and newspaper. He indicated that all of these efforts will continue.

SUNO's pre-Katrina enrollment stood at 3,647 students. After foregoing the Fall 2005 semester due to the storm's devastation, approximately 2,100 students returned for the Spring 2006 semester, which began at Sophie B. Wright Charter School, a middle school that has been managed and greatly improved academically by SUNO since July 2005. The enrollment figure proved to be in stark contrast with the 1,200 to 1,500 students projected to return for the Spring 2006 semester. Since that time, the university's enrollment has increased incrementally.

The figure that strongly demonstrates SUNO's future sustainability is reflected in the number of new freshmen which has gone from 313 in Fall 2006 to 390 in Fall 2007, representing approximately a 25% jump. In addition, transfer students registered a phenomenal increase of 72%, going from 170 in Fall 2006 to 293 in Fall 2007.

The sight of an ever-increasing student body impresses SGA president Jamal Amedee.

"This shows a major commitment on behalf of our students, given the fact that we haven't yet returned to our main buildings," said Amedee.

For more coverage, see article on Nola.com.