For the second semester in a row, Middle Georgia State University (MGA) posted the second-highest percentage enrollment increase in the University System of Georgia.

MGA's spring 2019 enrollment grew to 7,242 students, a four percent increase over the same period last year, according to the system’s official report released last week. MGA was second only to Georgia Tech, which saw a 14.6 percent increase in spring enrollment. The University System of Georgia is made up of 26 colleges and universities.

“We made a determination to grow with purpose and direction, and this second consecutive semester of growth proves that we are on the right track,” said Jennifer Stenander, vice president for Enrollment Management. “We continue to work with area employers to make sure we are producing graduates that help meet the workforce needs in the region and throughout the state. We continue to make student engagement and leadership development a priority. We continue to plan for facilities, such as a new residence hall coming soon to the Macon Campus, that are proving to be a draw for prospective students.” 

In fall 2018, MGA also posted the second highest percentage increase in the system compared to the same period the year before. Again, only Georgia Tech, with an 11.4 percent increase, posted a higher percentage gain last fall.

In his memo accompanying the enrollment report, University System Chancellor Steve Wrigley mentioned Middle Georgia State as one of the institutions that showed strong growth. Other institutions showing strong growth this spring besides Middle Georgia State and Georgia Tech include Georgia State University and the University of Georgia.

The spring 2019 headcount enrollment for all 26 institutions grew by 1.6 percent over a year ago.  

Dr. Christopher Blake, MGA’s president, said Middle Georgia State’s “blended function” in granting admission to students who enter at varying levels of academic readiness is a critical factor in the institution’s growth.

“We are able to offer a wide variety of students the opportunity to achieve a higher education,” Blake said. “Our doors are open perhaps a bit wider than those at other colleges and universities around the country, and that’s a good thing. Education, after all, is not a zero-sum game, and knowledge is not a capital resource of finite quantity. Learning, rather, has a multiplier effect: as the overall education level in an area increases, so too does the quality of life in that area. As aptly stated by President John F. Kennedy, ‘a rising tide lifts all boats.’”

The latest numbers show MGA continuing an upward trend that began in summer 2018, when the University posted a 7.4 percent increase in enrollment over the same period last year.

The complete University System of Georgia enrollment report is at https://www.usg.edu/assets/research/documents/enrollment_reports/SER_Spring_2019_Final.pdf