Inside
NEWSLETTER OF S C H R E I N E R U N I V E R S I T Y
President’s Perspective By Dr. Tim Summerlin
Fall 2007 Volume XI, Number 2
Schreiner University Announces Record Enrollment for the Second Year
When I wrote the most recent of these pieces, back in the winter, we at Schreiner were in the midst of revising our strategic statements on mission, vision and goals in order to orient ourselves for the next half decade. Now I don’t really suppose that you have been sitting around since then wondering, “What in the world have those folks at Schreiner accomplished in their strategic thinking?” I certainly hope you haven’t lost any sleep over the issue; however, it occurred to me that a word of follow-up on that topic would be in order, in the interest of perspective. In May, our board held a special retreat prior to its scheduled meeting, and incoming trustees also attended that session. For two days, we wrestled with hopes and realities under the excellent leadership of Dr. Richard Detweiler, president of the Great Lakes College Association. We worked in small groups and in role playing as well as in plenary session to identify our challenges and opportunities and to find consensus on what is most important in our future. In that retreat, our trustees fundamentally affirmed the conclusions of the planning group that had studied the issues throughout the year. They also offered continued on page 2
In This Issue... Record Enrollment
1
Vocational Nursing Grads
3
Sports
4
New Residence Hall
6
Hill Country College Fund
7
Restorative Justice
8
Darlene Bannister, registrar, directs students during fall registration. The 2007-08 student body is Schreiner’s largest ever at 982. The freshman class of 262 set a new record with an almost 8 percent increase over last year’s.
For the second year in a row, Schreiner University is celebrating an all-time record total enrollment and the biggest freshman class to date. Dr. Tim Summerlin, Schreiner president, announced that the 2007-2008 academic year saw 982 students on campus. That is a 5.6 percent increase over last year’s 930 enrollment number. The freshman class of 262 brought a 7.8 percent increase over last fall’s 243. Colleges and universities take official headcount on the 12th day of classes. “Every year I get excited when I see that Schreiner’s enrollment numbers have grown again,” said Summerlin. “The growth means we are succeeding in getting our name and reputation more widely appreciated. It means that we are on track to becoming the size institution we have planned for. It means that more students will have the opportunity to experience ‘learning by heart,’ the special, personalized brand of education that is our tradition. And I am particularly excited that this year’s enrollment growth means that we have filled our fine new residence facility, The Oaks. The way that this whole campus works with our admission and financial aid team to reach these goals is superb.” Peg Layton, vice president for enrollment and student services and dean of students, is also happy with the new numbers. “We are thrilled to see our enrollment growth trend continuing and to welcome the largest freshman class in the history of the institution,” she said. “Regardless of size, our commitment to personal attention and ‘learning by heart’ is something that will never change at Schreiner.” continued on page 2