As Western Carolina University continues to break enrollment records, which include topping the 11,000 mark for the first time last fall, the next step is to retain those students.
In an effort to see those new students return the following year, WCU has secured a grant for more than $200,000 from the University of North Carolina System. As part of receiving the grant, the university agreed to contribute $59,000 to help with WCU retention rate.
Two faculty members who were instrumental in securing those funds were Kae Livsey, associate professor in the School of Nursing and the College of Health and Human Science’s Dean Fellow for Strategic Initiatives, and Bruce Henderson, a professor of psychology.
The immediate impact of the grant will be the hiring of two temporary staff members – one in the Office of Student Transitions to specifically assist with retention, and one in the Mentoring and Persistence to Success office to help retain students in the Academic Success Program, said Lowell Davis, associate vice chancellor for student success.
Another component will be a webinar series for parents as a means to get them more engaged and allow them to follow their son or daughter throughout their college experience.
Originally published May 9, 2018. Written by Marlon Morgan.