The New Exponent

By Mallory Hayes
Co-Editor-in-chief

For the second consecutive year, Tennessee Wesleyan College has set a new record enrollment of students. This time the number shattered the 1,000 mark. The official enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year sits at 1,070. Although achieving this new record is certainly cause for celebration, what are possible ramifications for a continually increasing student population?

Many Wesleyan students chose TWC because of its small size, close-knit feel, and inviting atmosphere. Just how high can enrollment go before a school loses its characteristically intimate environment? A rise in enrollment for most schools would mean class sizes getting a little bigger, residence halls getting a little more crowded, and lines in the cafeteria getting a little longer. Is this what Tennessee Wesleyan College has to look forward to?

“Even though the enrollment of TWC is more than it ever has been, I feel that the school still cares about each and every one of us here.”

Among many returning students, the consensus seems to be “no.” Campus life doesn’t feel very different from that of last year, even though enrollment has increased by 8% over last year’s enrollment of 988. According to returning sophomore, Holly Rogers, “Campus life seems basically the same. Yes, there are more people, but the new students seem to be a good mix with the existing student population.”  Another second-year student, Ashley Yell, adds, “The school seems to have gone to some lengths to accommodate the rising enrollment—from scheduling of Freshman Experience classes to other updates on campus.” The increase in enrollment also seems to satisfy incoming freshman, Rachel Moses, who comments, “I didn’t want to be at a school where I would have been just [another] number. Even though the enrollment of TWC is more than it ever has been, I feel that the school still cares about each and every one of us here.” After her first month in Athens, Rachel thinks that TWC has followed through on its advertisement of a “family-like” atmosphere.

This year’s record enrollment is certainly a tribute to the excellent job of marketing by the administration. Getting the school’s name out can be directly linked to Wesleyan’s growing numbers and more varied demographics. As enrollment grows, so does the number of voices that can attract others to the college. In the case of Tennessee Wesleyan, more students means better name recognition in the community, more involvement in campus activities, and a bigger Wesleyan family!