NORTHWEST NEWS
“No matter what your identity is, we want to be able to provide learning opportunities for our students and for our employees.” DR. JUSTIN MALLETT
Northwest breaks enrollment record with 8% increase in total headcount, marking fourth consecutive year of growth Northwest’s total headcount this fall is 7,870 students, making it the highest enrollment in the institution’s 116-year history. The recordbreaking headcount is fueled by large jumps in international enrollment, which increased 59 percent; graduate enrollment, which increased 44 percent; online enrollment, which increased 19 percent; and dual credit enrollment, which increased 16 percent. “We’re so proud of our students who have been buoyant and shown so much resolve throughout the COVID-19 pandemic,” Northwest President Dr. John Jasinski said. “Our faculty and staff continue shining through multiple challenges and delivering on an affordable and highquality education. Record enrollments do not happen by accident or chance. Our Northwest team is to be commended as we uplift our culture and deliver on being a high-performing institution and one whose future is vibrant.” Additionally, Northwest maintains a high retention rate with 76 percent of last year’s freshman class – matching the second-highest rate in the institution’s history – choosing to return to the University in the fall. “The collective effort of our entire campus community led to achieving these enrollment and student success outcomes,” Dr. Allison Strong Hoffmann ’99, ’03, Northwest’s assistant vice president of admissions and student success, said. “We are pleased with our progress while remaining focused on the importance of achieving future enrollment and student success goals.” FIVE YEARS OF NORTHWEST ENROLLMENT 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 Undergraduate 5,474 5,654 5,710 5,482 5,306 Graduate 864 1,203 1,394 1,785 2,564 Overall 6,338 6,857 7,104 7,267 7,870
REMODELED DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION OFFICE FOSTERING CONNECTIONS Students have a new place to study, gather, connect and even get their hair cut or styled with the opening of a remodeled Office of Diversity and Inclusion in the J.W. Jones Student Union. The new space within the Student Engagement Center on the Student Union’s second floor includes study spaces, conference areas for organizational meetings and collaboration, and lounge areas as well as staff offices. A barbershop has its own room, outfitted with a barber chair, mirror and portable sink. Any Northwest student, employee or community member may sign up for a hair appointment. The remodel was completed during the summer after the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, in collaboration with University leaders, gathered input from students to create an inviting space where cultural exchange and learning can occur. “We wanted to make sure we started the process of creating a welcoming and stronger environment for not only our underrepresented students but also providing education and learning opportunities,” Dr. Justin Mallett, the University’s assistant vice president for diversity and inclusion, said. “Through our guideposts of listen, align and act, we started the process of building this space.” Mallett said the space provides a “home away from home” where all students feel comfortable exchanging ideas and lived experiences. The University also hopes it will positively impact retention, persistence and completion rates among its underrepresented population. “No matter what your identity is, we want to be able to provide learning opportunities for our students and for our employees,” Mallett said. NORTHWEST ALUMNI MAGAZINE I WINTER 2021
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