Innovative new undergraduate and graduate programs and a strong showing in retention across the undergraduate classes have helped 91短视频 report favorable gains in student numbers this fall despite considerable challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

The Class of 2024, numbering 202, is the largest in four years at the Harrisonburg campus.  The cohort is further strengthened by 16 additional new first-year students in the leadership and organizational management degree with an aviation concentration at 91短视频’s site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

鈥淭hese numbers illustrate 91短视频 continues to offer a unique and rigorous academic experience with the added value and marketability of unique skills, knowledge and practical expertise that make our graduates sought-after in job markets,鈥� said Jason Good, vice president for innovation and recruitment. 

The figures were released by the registrar鈥檚 office on Sept. 10. The data is collected as a traditional 鈥渟napshot鈥� of enrollment trends, according to university registrar David Detrow.

91短视频 reports a total undergraduate enrollment of 918, inclusive of adult degree completion and RN-BSN programs. Graduate enrollment, which includes graduate certificate, master鈥檚 degree and doctoral degree programs, is at 468. has 63 students enrolled.

 “Despite a challenging year with documented COVID-related impact, we are very optimistic about 91短视频’s future and growth,” Good said.

Strong reputation attracts students to nursing, biology, engineering

Though many universities across the country reported dips in first-year enrollment due to uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Good said. 鈥淲hile our prospective students and families were deeply impacted by COVID-19 affecting enrollment plans for many, thanks to a student-centered approach from admissions, faculty, athletics and student services we were able to enroll a strong and resilient class,” Good said.

The Class of 2024 comes to 91短视频 from 15 states and seven countries. Close to 30 percent identify as first-generation college students. The average GPA is 3.67. The top five majors, among 36 represented, are nursing, biology, business administration, computer science and engineering. Included in that is a large percentage of students who were offered admission into 91短视频鈥檚 Honors program.

At 91短视频 at Lancaster, 16 additional new first-year students comprise the second cohort in a growing undergraduate program that combines a leadership and organizational management major with a concentration in aviation. 

This is the second year of more than 100 percent growth in program enrollment, according to Mary Jensen, provost at 91短视频 Lancaster.

鈥淚t is gratifying to see the success of this program and student progression,” Jensen said. “It has clearly met a regional need for those who wish to become aviation leaders.鈥�

Graduates finish with a bachelor of science degree and several commercial aircraft ratings, enabling a smooth transition into a variety of aviation careers. The program partners with Aero-Tech Services, Inc., an FAA-approved pilot school to provide ground and pilot training. 

Innovation in graduate programs

Building on its strong reputation in specialized fields of conflict transformation, restorative justice and trauma and resilience, 91短视频 continues to develop academic programs that attract students who need skills to help them succeed in challenging times. 

鈥淢any professionals in a variety of fields are seeking further specialized training with an integrated interdisciplinary approach,鈥� Good said, 鈥渁nd our academic programs, with their emphasis on both theory and practical skill-building, are increasingly sought-after in fields such as health care, nursing, peacebuilding and education.鈥�

The MA in Transformational Leadership, a new online graduate degree program at the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding, has attracted 13 students in its first full semester from across the United States and the world. The program is helping to meet a growing demand for leaders in all professional fields who can promote positive change, manage crises, analyze problems and transform conflicts. 

CJP moved all of its courses online this semester, which resulted in the largest class of first-year graduate students in program history.

The new graduate Certificate in Trauma and Resilience in Healthcare Settings began its first semester with six students. 91短视频鈥檚 graduate nursing program, with a reputation for excellence among many healthcare employers, continues to attract high numbers, with 53 students rolled. Notably, 91短视频 will award its first doctoral degrees this academic year to six graduates of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. 

Additionally, 130 students, teachers and educational professions in the Rockingham County Public Schools are enrolled in a course about online learning tools.   

After a bit of a wait, 91短视频 sophomore Abby Olmstead is finally on campus and she is 鈥減umped to be back,鈥� she said. 鈥淢y favorite thing about 91短视频 is its welcoming atmosphere, and that has not changed even amidst all of the chaos happening in the world right now. It鈥檚 amazing to see everyone again, even if I can only see two-thirds of their faces!鈥�

This weekend marked a big moment for 91短视频鈥檚 first-year students, transitioning into college life. The Class of 2024 is the largest in four years and includes students from 15 states and seven countries, said Jason Good, vice president for innovation and recruitment. A few other key stats: The top five majors are nursing, biology, business administration, computer science and engineering. Nearly 30 percent identify as first-generation college students. And they enter with an average GPA of 3.67.

Olmstead, a Broadway resident, was one of many returning students thrilled to be back together again after months of pandemic separation.

鈥淭he last few days have been full of happy reunions,鈥� said junior Jessie Landis, a Community Assistant in Parkwoods Apartments. 鈥淢any of us have not seen our friends in person since March, so even though we could not all give each other hugs, we have 鈥榚mbraced鈥� each other with joyous shouting and waving.鈥�

Approximately 42 Residence Life staff, including full-time professional staff and those who are students like Landis, are helping nearly 450 residential students transition into a new world of protocols designed with the aim of all-campus health and wellness.

Move-in this year, usually a fun, but hectic, one-day experience, was carefully scheduled over four days. With arrival delayed by two weeks due to cautions over a handful of positive COVID tests, many of the planned in-person activities happened in the virtual space. Before their arrival, students participated in several online events, including a mandatory training that outlined the new campus health protocols and processes. 

Dean of Students Shannon Dycus was excited to welcome students after months of preparation and the additional two-week delay. 鈥淎s we live into community and our 鈥楥OVID Commitments,鈥� our health protocols become the highest priority to continue enjoying this privilege of being together,鈥� she said, reflecting on the weekend. The 鈥楥OVID Commitments鈥� are a special pledge from all members of the 91短视频 community to share in the responsibility of protecting each other and practicing safe behaviors.

Before entering the residence halls, students were required to show that they had been issued a  鈥済reen dot鈥� by 91短视频鈥檚 symptom tracker. All students, faculty and staff are required to access the online symptom tracker daily. The green dot means no symptoms are reported. Pictured is Sue Cockley, dean of the School of Theology, Humanities and Performing Arts, one of several administrators who volunteered to greet students and parents during the check-in process.

Each student signed up for a one-hour time slot and could bring just one helper into the residence halls. This reduced congestion in the halls and limited exposure inside the hall for all student-residents, Community Assistants and Residence Directors.

With students already entering the third week of the fall semester, there was homework to be done, but also time for get-to-know-you physically distanced activities such as games on the Turf Field and a campfire (with ice cream on the side!) in Park Woods. Students attended activities in 鈥渉ousehold groups” (aka “pods”). These students share common areas within residence halls and apartments.

Asha Beck, a junior CA in Parkwoods, said the Campus Activities Council activities attracted new and returning students. 鈥淚 think there was even a small jam session that broke out between a couple of new students,鈥� she added. Even with all the planned events and the adjustment to being around people after months of quarantine,  the 鈥渕ain activity was sitting outside to talk and study with friends… I was impressed and encouraged by how much care for safety students were already taking while still being able to connect and socialize together.”

Local jazz funk band KojoMojo played on Thomas Plaza Sunday night for an audience of returning students. Campus Activities Council hosted this event and offered free Tropical Smoothies to those who came to listen to the music.

The concert closed out CAC activities for the weekend, but the CAs continue their plans to build community within the new physical distancing protocols.

Beck and Landis are sharing CA responsibilities this semester because of their courseload and other involvements around campus. The duo are excited for the coming year as they get to know Parkwoods residents and new students who bring 鈥� fresh energy and perspectives.鈥� 

鈥淚 know that this is said every year, but we really do have an incredible group of CAs this year,鈥� Beck said. 鈥淚 am so excited to work together with them to get creative about programming and ways of interacting together.鈥�

Now back to Abby Olmstead for some final words. Like all 91短视频 students, she started the fall semester online and has just two more days before she sets foot into a real, not virtual, college classroom: “I don’t think online classes are really anyone’s ideal way of learning, but I’ve been able to stay positive about it … That being said, we return to in-person classes on Thursday and I can’t wait!”

A virtual welcome, we all know, is not the same as smiles, hugs and the buzz of excitement around the start of the academic year. 

In the wake of a decision to delay move-in to residential halls because of several COVID-19 cases on campus, 91短视频 hosted a series of virtual events to welcome students and their parents and caregivers.

Members of the campus community, including administrators, contributed to two town halls, one for students and one for parents and caregivers, as well as a worship service, among other online orientation events already scheduled for the weekend. A workshop on racial justice, hosted by the Student Government Association and Black Student Alliance, capped the schedule.

Classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 25, and faculty are busy reaching out to students with details on the shift. Residential students will move in Sept. 3-6.

A panel of administrators took a range of questions during the Student Town Hall about new move-in plans, how the household model would function, symptom tracking, commuter student health and safety, and more. President Susan Schultz Huxman, Provost Fred Kniss and Dean of Students Shannon Dycus took questions sent in by students, with Director of Student Programs and Orientation Rachel Roth Sawatzky acting as host.

A similar event later in the weekend for parents and caregivers offered the opportunity to hear from Huxman, Kniss and Dycus. Vice President of Student Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good was the host.

“The decision was difficult but right,” Huxman explained, a necessary move, even at such a late stage, to protect the health and safety of 91短视频’s campus community.

The affected student leaders and staff are important contributors to setting 91短视频’s campus culture and critical to the success and welfare of the community as new students arrive, she said.

Huxman reiterated that the Virginia Department of Health and Center for Disease Control guidelines for higher education institutions do not recommend in-home or entry testing of students, faculty or staff. 91短视频 has implemented a daily symptom check and included quarantine before arrival, masking and physical distancing measures in addition to other health and safety protocols, she said.

[Visit the FAQs at for more on health and safety protocols.]

Huxman acknowledged criticism for the delay, but also offered grateful thanks for 鈥渢he outpouring of support, grace and prayers.”

Campus Pastor Brian Martin Burkholder and Campus Ministries staff hosted a Sunday worship service on the theme of worship, welcome and blessing. Two pastoral assistants and a professor offered anecdotes of belonging.

鈥淗as there been a time when you felt included and someone showed hospitality when you least expected it? Or has there been a time when you did that for someone else?鈥� said pastoral assistant Naomi Davis, echoing the theme of the service. 鈥淚 pray that is something we can pass on…I do hope 91短视频 can be that place for you, that you find clubs and spaces and moments where you are welcome, unexpectedly or when you do expect it, but that you find home here.鈥�

The service was rich with music offerings from 91短视频鈥檚 Chamber Singers and the student-led group Celebration.

Even as transition can be overwhelming, and especially such a strange one as what we鈥檙e all experiencing, Burkholder reminded listeners of the power of faith.

鈥淲e know that our life experiences, our faith and nurture has brought us to this point and God is with us. God is with each one of us. God鈥檚 love shines through and surrounds us. As you go, go inspired even in the midst of change and loss and the dynamic of an unknown future, trusting that all will be well. All will be well, even if quite different than what you imagined.鈥�

A recent admissions event for incoming students at 91短视频 drew historic numbers 鈥� and among those listening, surely some breathed a sigh of relief when President Susan Schultz Huxman announced that the university expects to open campus for in-person classes in fall semester 2020.

鈥淲e understand there are many questions about the future, some that even we cannot answer yet, but we are making a strong commitment that the pandemic will not diminish 91短视频鈥檚 ability to deliver exemplary teaching and  caring community support for our students in fall 2020,鈥� said Huxman. 

Any one of several learning environments may be adopted in the fall, she said, with health and safety of students being the top priority and the decision dependent on the status of COVID-19 in the region and the recommendations of health and educational authorities.

Notably, in a survey during the last week of spring semester classes, students gave 91短视频 faculty and staff a 94 percent positive rating for the exemplary care received in and out of the classroom, Huxman said. 鈥�91短视频 has a reputation as a strong, caring educational community, and this response from our students is a real vote of confidence for all of us. Even in uncertain and challenging times, we鈥檝e all witnessed that our shared commitment to supporting and nurturing each other is stronger than ever.鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 location, away from densely populated regions, and its small size 鈥� with related flexibilities in programming, scheduling, residential life and special attentiveness to supporting the individual student 鈥� are also advantageous at this time, Huxman said. 

The university continues to assess the budget impacts of COVID-19 on its current and incoming students, higher education, and the local, regional and national economy. CARES Act funding allotted to 91短视频 was dispersed earlier this summer to qualified students. Two funds 鈥� the renamed UFund for Resilience and the new Student Tuition Relief Fund 鈥� drew record donations during the university鈥檚 annual Lov91短视频 Day, yet another affirmation from the broader community of support for 91短视频鈥檚 mission and sustainability.

Planning for fall semester began in April. Approximately 60 administrators, faculty,  staff and students  are collaborating on six teams to address university operations, including enrollment, teaching and learning, student life, faculty and staff, budget, and infrastructure. The teams are specifically tasked with contingency planning in their areas, from the best-case scenario of progressive, consistent improvement and lowering infection rates through the summer and fall, to a middle-case scenario of late resurgence in the fall, and finally, the worst-case scenario of ongoing waves of resurgence.

The planning process has included, and will continue to include, input from various internal constituencies 鈥� faculty, staff, students,  parents, board of trustees. In addition, 91短视频 leaders continue to consult with community leaders as well as  peer private universities in the Commonwealth and other higher education institutions in the Valley, including significant conversation and guidance from state educational and elected officials. 91短视频 continues to follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Virginia Department of Health, as well as Sentara RMH and the City of Harrisonburg.

More details will be released in the coming weeks. The following are general updates across campus.

Incoming Class of 2024 on target

91短视频鈥檚 incoming class numbers are on track to exceed last year鈥檚 numbers, according to Vice President of Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good. 鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited about the incoming class and committed to working with parents and students as they process the complex factors related to attendance.鈥� A few interesting stats related to this class:

• Students represent 15 states;
• One-third are first-generation college students;
• 40 percent are athletes, and
• Nursing and biology programs continue to be top draws.

Residence Life focusing on health measures

Staff in Residence Life are focusing their attention on developing health and safety measures in conjunction with new guidance released last week by The American College Health Association, specific to housing occupancy, residential life, social gatherings, and dining hall practices, among other topics.

With health and safety, affordability is also a priority, according to Dean of Students Shannon Dycus. 鈥淢any, if not all students will have access to the option of single occupancy with no extra charge,鈥� she said, adding that students can still live with a roommate with additional agreements regarding risk.

Staff are hosting 鈥渢own hall鈥�-style events this summer, in conjunction with the Student Government Association, to keep students updated on developing new protocols and planning around health and safety issues. Also at the forefront of staff time is planning new ways to engage and welcome first-year students through orientation and transition to campus life. 

As with every new academic year, the value of building strong community among all students 鈥渋s what gives 91短视频 life,鈥� Dycus said. 鈥淓ngaging our students in leadership, shared values, personal well being, and social accountability matters and that will not change in the coming weeks and months.鈥�

Athletics at work on fall plans

In conjunction with plans to open for the fall semester, athletics administrators, coaches and staff are also preparing for the start of the fall athletic season. 鈥淲e are committed to providing the best student-athlete and team experience possible in the given circumstances,鈥� said Director of Athletics Dave King. 鈥淧rogramming will require a higher threshold of safety practices and most likely, a different format and schedule than in the past.鈥� The Old Dominion Athletic Conference, of which 91短视频 is a member, is developing schedules and post-season options for a variety of scenarios.

91短视频 can also conduct contests with other institutions outside the conference. Best practices and recommendations from health officials are being considered about issues related to conducting athletics including practice formats and scheduling, transportation, visiting teams, locker rooms, testing, tracing, and training room use, among other issues, King said. 

Flexible instructional formats, new tech

The infrastructure and academic committees are working on management of classroom space to minimize exposure and maximize social distancing practices. Committee members, in conjunction with the Provost鈥檚 Office, are planning flexible instructional formats to enable continuity of teaching in response to changing health needs of faculty, staff, and students. Faculty members and academic leaders are working this summer to design courses that will maintain 91短视频鈥檚 high academic standards while offering easy flexibility for individual needs and changing public health requirements, said Provost Fred Kniss. Classroom technology setups are also being adjusted to facilitate greater flexibility and support for student learning.

Despite challenges and uncertainties related to the COVID-19 pandemic, 91短视频鈥檚 incoming Class of 2024 is on track to make their mark. Slated in early estimations to exceed last year鈥檚 class in size, these first-years can, so far, be characterized with one superlative (higher average GPA), a diversity of interests (more than 30 majors declared) and geography (15 states represented). The group includes 40 percent student-athletes and 30 percent first generation college students.

鈥淲e are very excited about this incoming class,鈥� said Vice President of Student Recruitment and Innovation Jason Good. 鈥淭hey are joining the 91短视频 community equipped with adaptability, perseverance, innovation and a savviness to manage a complex world of uncertainty and change.鈥�

91短视频 plans to open in the fall in one of several possible scenarios, depending on how the COVID-19 pandemic responds in coming weeks and months. A new goal of summer admissions events 鈥斅� one was May 15 and another is scheduled for June 13 鈥斅� is to help incoming and admitted students, and their parents, stay informed.

With on-campus visits restricted by COVID-19 this summer, Good and admissions staff reconfigured the traditional Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) and Admitted Student events to a virtual format — and expanded opportunities to share information about 91短视频鈥檚 fall semester plans.

A record number of 100 student-participants and 70 parent/guardians attended the May event, according to Director of Admissions Matt Ruth. 

鈥淪OAR is always an exciting day but we know there are special concerns this year,鈥� Ruth said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 always about the students but even more so now. It was great to see students eagerly connecting with their future Class of 2024 peers, and officially registering for their courses with their faculty advisor.鈥�

In addition to individual meetings with faculty advisors, students heard from a range of administrators and staff on campus about various resources, including campus ministries, counseling services, residence life, and academic support. Student Government Association co-presidents led a session on student activities and hosted a hangout room throughout the afternoon to give students a chance to get to know each other and learn more about campus offerings.  

The schedule provides plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions about what life on campus and in the classroom might look like. 

In addition to sessions about 91短视频鈥檚 athletics and cross-cultural programs, a special parent/guardian forum specifically addressed COVID-19 concerns with a panel including President Susan Schultz Huxman; Shannon Dycus, dean of students; Jennifer North Bauman, director of alumni and parent relations; and Good.

A recording of this discussion is available on the admissions website. Administrators plan to host another forum for parents and guardians in June. 

More information about 91短视频鈥檚 COVID-19 response is at www.emu.edu/coronavirus.

Despite her unstable position, Monroy remains steadfast in her desire to assist immigrants in need. For her advocacy and accomplishments as an educator and immigrant rights advocate, she is 91短视频鈥檚 Outstanding Young Alumna/us.

Monroy moved from Torre贸n in north central Mexico to Fairfax, Virginia, when she was 15 with her mother and little sister. The family entered on tourist visas. Her father had died five years earlier and the family was struggling to survive in Mexico. Monroy鈥檚 older sister took the two girls in. Eventually, she completed high school in Harrisonburg in 2006, excelling academically but feeling ashamed of her citizenship status.

Sharing her story through Young Life put her in contact with Eldon Kurtz 鈥�76, longtime physical plant director, now retired, and Jason Good 鈥�05, then director of admissions, who encouraged her to apply for a scholarship for undocumented individuals. At 91短视频, 鈥淚 integrated my faith in the Lord in other areas of my life,鈥� she said, expressing gratitude to economics professors Chris Gingrich, Walt Surratt and Jim Leaman for challenging her academically and equipping her professionally. Her economics courses also opened her eyes to the 鈥渂rokenness of the system鈥� and inspired her to 鈥渆ngage with and be a steward of God鈥檚 blessings.鈥� Monroy became socially and politically engaged with Harrisonburg鈥檚 poor immigrant communities.

After graduation from 91短视频 and holding an expired visa, Monroy hit her 鈥渓owest point.鈥� Unable to move forward professionally, she earned money by babysitting, interpreting and cleaning houses. She applied and attained DACA status in spring 2013, which provided a work permit, Social Security card and driver鈥檚 license. That status granted immigration protection and authorization to work for two years, subject to renewal.

She continued to share her life story, encouraged and supported by Isabel Castillo Ressler 鈥�07, MA 鈥�17, nationally recognized for her advocacy of undocumented immigrants. (91短视频 honored Castillo Ressler with the 2013 Outstanding Young Alumna/us Award.) Eventually Monroy moved to Washington D.C. to work in child and adult education with a nonprofit organization focused on immigrant families. She also began graduate studies in international education at The George Washington University (she graduated in May).

In February 2017, Monroy was profiled in a Washington Post front-page article titled 鈥淚n Trump鈥檚 capital, undocumented immigrants live and work in the shadow of the White House.鈥� She did not hide her name or likeness. Shortly thereafter, Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) invited Monroy as her guest to the Joint Address to the Congress (known as the State of the Union address in all but the first year of a new president鈥檚 term).

Since August 2017, Monroy has worked as operations manager of The District Church, a nondenominational 鈥淐hrist centered, neighbor loving, justice-seeking community for transplants, natives and beyond,鈥� according to its website. Monroy is creating a leadership skill development curriculum, with tracks for ministry and for entrepreneurs, and a six-week financial literacy program for low-income parents. She is also a founding member of a proposed charter school for low-income, limited English-proficient adult learners.

Monroy鈥檚 DACA status expires in 2019. Recently, three federal judges blocked Trump鈥檚 attempt to rescind DACA, but in the current political climate, her future remains uncertain. In the meantime, she鈥檒l continue efforts to help immigrants with less education and fewer options than she has.

Read about the other 2018 alumni award recipients:

• Alumna/us of the Year: Regina Horst Chacha
• Distinguished Service Award: Gilberto Perez Jr.
• Previous recipients

This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2018 Crossroads. Read more articles聽here.

鈥淚 love working at 91短视频,鈥� Ruth says. 鈥淚t certainly has benefited me with what I was able to get out of it as a student, and now I鈥檓 paying it forward. That sounds clich茅, but I love that we鈥檙e a small, private, Christian liberal arts university, and I love Harrisonburg. It鈥檚 the epitome of a college town. There are so many good opportunities here.鈥�

Ruth grew up in southeastern Pennsylvania and came to 91短视频 to study . He graduated in 2006 and entered Mennonite Voluntary Service, spending two years at Valley Teen Ranch in Fresno, Calif. He met his future wife, Kara, while in California, and the couple decided to move back to the Shenandoah Valley.

After initially working for a local counseling agency, Ruth heard from some friends about an opening for an admissions counselor at 91短视频. He began in 2009 and hasn鈥檛 looked back. He moved up to associate director of admissions three years later, and this fall鈥�when former director Jason Good left for another position鈥�Ruth received the call to become director.

鈥淚鈥檓 very excited about this opportunity, and grateful,鈥� Ruth says. 鈥淚鈥檓 excited to work with the staff here and continue to promote 91短视频 and show students and their families what we have to offer here. We have a very, very good team.鈥�

In his new role, Ruth will be responsible for all undergraduate recruitment activities, including the development of promotional strategies, staff training, office management, and budget administration. He also serves as a key member of 91短视频鈥檚 strategic enrollment management staff, working with Vice President for Enrollment.

鈥淏eing the director of admissions is a perfect fit for Matt,鈥� Hartman says. 鈥淗e has a strong commitment to the values of 91短视频, a deep understanding of the admissions systems and processes, the ability to use data to guide decision-making, and a caring attitude toward others.鈥�

91短视频鈥檚 strategic plan calls for growing enrollment to 1,100 undergraduate students over the next five years, building the local student population and adding diversity while also connecting with the university鈥檚 important Mennonite constituency.

Ruth has already been part of an exciting period en route to those goals. This fall鈥檚 freshman class of 257 students is the largest since 1988, following up on two previous years with classes of 230-plus. That has helped put 91短视频鈥檚 overall enrollment at an all-time high, topping 1,800.

鈥淭he numbers speak to what 91短视频 has going for it, and they certainly speak to how hard we work. We have a lot of momentum, and we don鈥檛 want to stagnate,鈥� Ruth says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 an exciting time to be at 91短视频.鈥�

The 2015-16 figures were released by the registrar鈥檚 office following the university鈥檚 official census date of Sept. 14. The data is collected as a traditional 鈥渟napshot鈥� of enrollment trends, according to university registrar David Detrow.

91短视频鈥檚 incoming traditional undergraduate first-year class, numbering 257 students, is the largest in several decades. From 2001 to 2010, 91短视频 averaged 205 first-year students, according to past records.

As for diversity, a record-high number of students who are ethnic minorities or come from other countries is reflected in 37 percent of this fall鈥檚 undergraduate students. That number is up from 36 percent a year ago and 29 percent the year before.

Graduate programs, excluding the seminary but including students from the, enrolled 450 students in comparison to last year鈥檚 356. Seminary enrollment was steady at 133 students.

鈥淭he continual increase in enrollment numbers at 91短视频 creates a genuine university feel on campus,鈥� said , vice president of enrollment. 鈥淚 am excited that students are discovering that we are a world leader in areas such as sustainability, medical school preparation, faith development and social justice. We are so diverse that everyone can find another who shares a commonality.鈥�

First-year class grows in diversity

Diversity data and other statistics related to the composition and demographics of the first-year class is compiled by the admissions department, under Director of Admissions .

鈥淭his year鈥檚 class has brought a contagious and positive energy to campus,鈥� said Good. 鈥淭hey have impressed me with their academic abilities and their ambitions to be catalysts for positive change in their communities. With overall enrollment growth, new facilities and new academic programs including a new engineering major anticipated to begin in 2016, it is an exciting time to be at 91短视频.鈥�

In-state students continue to increase, with 61 percent compared to 57 percent last year.

The university continues to be an attractive draw to local residents. This first-year class saw a doubling of enrollment from , increasing from 13 students in fall 2014 to 25 in fall 2015. Graduates of attending 91短视频 numbered 13 out of a graduating class of 53.

Good noted this first-year class added more students admitted to the , and came in with higher SAT scores and grade-point averages than the previous class.

Nearly a third of those new students plan to study or 鈥� a reflection of 91短视频鈥檚 highly respected and sought-after graduates of both programs. 91短视频鈥檚 are housed in the .

Restorative justice program highlights overall growth

Much of 91短视频鈥檚 enrollment growth in the last 20 years 鈥� since it took the 鈥渦niversity鈥� name 鈥� is due to the establishment of graduate programs and the .

The growth rate across all nine graduate programs was 26.4 percent this fall. The total number of students is 450, compared to last year鈥檚 356.

鈥淢uch of the growth in our graduate programs have been fueled by a very entrepreneurial-minded culture among program directors, faculty, and staff,鈥� said , vice president and dean of the 91短视频鈥檚 . 鈥淚n my two years here at 91短视频, I have experienced a very innovative group of people with a 鈥榗an-do鈥� spirit who are working in mission-driven ways to expand our educational distinctives to a growing audience.鈥�

Seven of the nine programs gained students, with the , offered at 91短视频 and at the Lancaster site, showing the most growth 鈥� a rebound from last year鈥檚 decreasing numbers. The program for working teachers has the largest number of part-time students (197 at both Harrisonburg and Lancaster campuses).

After a significant broadening of program offerings in 2014 鈥� three debuted in , and a 鈥� 91短视频 began offering just one new concentration, .

That program, , has been a significant draw, says Sara Reed, associate director of marketing and recruitment. Restorative justice in the school community, which has been endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education, can potentially improve student behavior, improve school and classroom communities, and lower suspension and expulsion rates.

91短视频鈥檚 development of the program is an outgrowth of its pioneering role in teaching restorative justice practitioners through the and the , co-directed by professors and .

The , 91短视频鈥檚 oldest graduate program, has been operating at full capacity, with a wait-list for admission, for several years. It was the only program that enrolled the same number of students as in fall 2014.

Seminary numbers steady

Eastern Mennonite 鈥檚 enrollment held steady this fall, with the total number of students at 133; however there was a decrease in the full-time-equivalent number due to fewer full-time students.

鈥淪ince graduating a near-record 2015聽class, we鈥檝e recognized that we would face several challenging years in rebuilding our full-time student numbers,鈥� said , vice president and dean of the seminary. 鈥淲e鈥檙e pleased that a strong recruitment season allowed us to maintain the same headcount across autumn 2014 and 2015. And fewer students departing in 2016 gives us a promising foundation for future enrollment increases.鈥�

One source of rising enrollment are three innovative dual degree programs offered in conjunction with the seminary, said , director of admissions. 鈥淭hese programs offer an attractive prospect to many who see professional benefit from inter-disciplinary connections.鈥�

The can be paired with graduate programs leading to a master鈥檚 degree in , , or .

The increase in part-time students can also be traced to the successful inaugural offering of a hybrid program, which combines distance learning with one-week residential sessions. 鈥淭his program has opened up the possibility of seminary studies to more students with various life circumstances,鈥� Amstutz said.

Seminary students include 57 Mennonites, but also 25 students from the United Methodist Church. In the summer of 2014, the United Methodist Church re-approved EMS 鈥� for another four years 鈭� for the training of its pastors.

Other Anabaptist groups represented include Church of the Brethren, Brethren and Brethren in Christ. Students of the Baptist and Southern Baptist, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Church of God, Seventh Day Adventist, and Unitarian faith traditions are also represented. Some students claim no particular faith tradition.

University community meets diverse educational needs

A total of 1,908 students registered for class at the beginning of the fall semester.

This number includes statistics from all of 91短视频鈥檚 programs, from traditional undergraduate students to non-traditional students in Adult Degree Completion Programs; part- and full-time students in graduate programs at Eastern Mennonite Seminary and in 91短视频鈥檚 School of Graduate and Professional Studies; and students in the , as well as those taking non-credit courses in conflict transformation.

Among the total enrollment figures are students at , Pennsylvania, and those who study online.

The overall number of students enrolled through 91短视频鈥檚 Lancaster campus in Pennsylvania increased slightly this year. That includes teachers seeking a master鈥檚 degree in education, nurses who want to complete their undergraduate degree, and pastors and future pastors who aspire to a .

The at 91短视频 continues to attract strong interest from international students and local immigrants. IEP prepares them for entrance into American colleges and universities. This fall鈥檚 student number is slightly lower than last year鈥檚 at 75, with the highest number of students coming from Saudi Arabia and China. A total of 15 countries are represented.

While fall semester brings a new burst of energy to campus, the summer included significant activity of its own. Well over 900 persons enrolled for one or more summer courses through 91短视频. This included approximately 433 for credit in graduate programs, 40 for seminary credit, and 242 for undergraduate credit including 60 Adult Degree Completion students taking general education courses. Also included are 53 students in the Intensive English Program, more than 80 non-credit participants who joined 70 graduate students (included in the total above) for 91短视频鈥檚 Summer Peacebuilding Institute, and many additional participants in non-credit courses offered by the Center for Justice and Peacebuilding.

鈥淭his data is indeed a valuable 鈥榮napshot鈥� that shows our two campuses are part of a thriving academic community that draws students of all ages from around the world for study and engagement during the year,鈥� said Provost . 鈥淚’m very pleased to see continued growth in the size and quality of our incoming classes in both our undergraduate and graduate programs, and other programs as well. I’m even more pleased to see the increasing diversity in our student body and faculty, which will enhance the educational experience of our entire community of learning.鈥�

We hope to see you at 91短视频 October 9-11, 2015!

鈥淭his program has added so much depth to my college experience,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檓 in awe of the relationships I鈥檝e formed across class levels within honors. These relationships have cemented my appreciation of 91短视频 as a place filled with wonderfully curious and compassionate people.鈥�

Intellectually stimulating, supportive relationships are the foundation of the at 91短视频. Launched in 1993 with five students, the program started its third decade in 2013 with 32 incoming students.

The huge investment 91短视频 makes in this program was on full display during Honors Weekend, Feb. 7-8. Sixty-nine high school seniors admitted to 91短视频 next year, with GPA and standardized test scores that qualify them for the honors scholarship of $15,000 per year for four years, traveled to the Harrisonburg (Va.) campus. Some flew from Arizona and Wisconsin; others walked from the adjacent neighborhood of Park View.

They were hosted by honors students, interacted with faculty members who lead the program, and began to envision their honors experience at 91短视频. 鈥淭his program lives or dies on student enthusiasm. Our students sell it to other students,鈥� said professor , PhD, who has directed the program since 2011.

Later entrance into program now possible

During the weekend, 56 honors-qualified students competed to be chosen one of two Yoder Scholars, who receive full-ride scholarships. Yoder Scholars are selected on the basis of their essay question responses, interviews, and interactions during honors weekend. The group from which the scholars were drawn averaged 1285 on their SATs (in critical reading and math), 29.5 on their ACTs, and 4.1 for their GPAs.

The honors program is no longer just a reward for high school performance. It is now a voluntary academic minor, and its acceptance thresholds are more inclusive. First- and second-year students who demonstrate high levels of academic achievement (but whose high school numbers did not qualify them for the honors scholarship) can apply for the program as well.

When she entered 91短视频, junior Becca Longenecker鈥檚 combined SAT scores and GPA were slightly below the qualifying threshold for an honors scholarship. Yet her strong academic performance in her first years at 91短视频 gave her the confidence to apply for the honors minor in her sophomore year, and she was accepted.

Connecting to highly motivated students

鈥淭he program has helped me connect with faculty here and at other schools,鈥� says Longenecker. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also connected me with other students who have the same vigor and enthusiasm for education that I do. The program is always looking for students like me who are missed on the first round of selection to expand the program and improve the experience for the students in the program.鈥�

鈥淲hat I tell parents and students who are considering the value of 91短视频鈥檚 Honors Program,鈥� says , PhD, director of , 鈥渋s that we鈥檙e making a four-year commitment that goes beyond financial. Our goal is to educate the whole person, preparing them to lead in whatever field their gifts take them.鈥�

Junior honors student Holly Jensen appreciates the 鈥渂ackbone鈥� courses of the program. 鈥淔reshmen take a class called Ruling Ideas, which explores different disciplines and the ideas that 鈥榬ule鈥� those disciplines. From biology to mass media, we learn how people in those disciplines work with the central ideas of their fields.鈥�

Throughout the program, Jensen notes that students are exposed to classes outside their majors and to interests outside their chosen fields.

As an 91短视频 honors student (graduating in 2005), Good has seen the program from the inside. He says, 鈥淭he Honors Program takes a holistic look at student growth that goes beyond just academics to include an education that also challenges students personally, socially, and spiritually. Students expand their worldview and learn to think critically about the world around them. This comprehensive preparation leads to great successes for our students in graduate school, their careers, and as leaders in their communities.鈥�

Applause for honors approach

A majority of honors graduates responding to a 2009 alumni survey 鈥渟trongly agreed鈥� with the following statements about the program:

鈥� The honors program helped me more consciously develop a worldview.

鈥� The courses I took within the Honors program increased my overall learning at 91短视频.

鈥� The honors scholarship influenced my decision to come to 91短视频.

鈥� The honors program deepened my quality of thought and insight as evidenced by critical thinking.

One described the first-year seminar experience as 鈥渟tepping into a buffet of ideas. It was intoxicating at times.鈥�

鈥淥ur Worldview senior seminar was very meaningful,鈥� wrote another alumnus. 鈥淣ever before and not since have I seen such true displays of humanity in an academic setting.鈥�

Forty-two percent of the survey respondents indicated an educational track beyond their undergraduate degree.

Sawin champions preparing students for a wide range of academic and vocational futures: 鈥淩ather than teaching a specific set of skills for a specific content area, our goal is to prepare students to research and write about anything. With the honors program, we鈥檙e creating a liberal arts curriculum on steroids.鈥�

Graduating from 91短视频 in 2005 with a double major in sociology and environmental science, Good has filled a number of roles at 91短视频: admissions counselor, associate director of admissions, director of retention, women鈥檚 head soccer coach, cross-cultural leader to Spanish-speaking countries, and instructor in several programs, , , and the .

鈥淚 look forward to continued enrollment success, a continued commitment to the Anabaptist mission and vision of 91短视频, and superb admissions leadership from Dr. Jason Good,鈥� said , PhD, vice president for enrollment, in announcing Good鈥檚 appointment.

Good earned his master鈥檚 and doctorate in Hispanic studies from the Universidad de C谩diz in Andaluc铆a, Spain. His dissertation, completed in Spanish, focused on the integration of immigrant students into educational systems, specifically analyzing how to welcome and retain underrepresented groups.

Good is the son of Nelson Good ’68 () and Betty Good-White ’67, a psychotherapist in Washington D.C., as well as the brother of Deborah Good ’02, the husband of Bryn Mullet Good ’06, and the nephew and grandson of alumni. In short, he has deep roots in this educational community, though he was raised in Washington D.C.

Good replaces Stephanie Shafer, who had been director of admissions since 2004, supervising Good in several of his roles. Shafer announced her intention in August to be director of development at Cornerstone Christian School, a Harrisonburg institution with students in preschool through grade 8, where she will be in charge of enrollment, marketing, public relations and fundraising.

“Stephanie leaves the 91短视频 enrollment office in tremendous shape as she exits, bringing in two out of the three largest classes in over 14 years and being part of the sixth consecutive year of overall enrollment growth,” said Hartman in an email announcing her departure to the campus community. “We wish her the very best in her future endeavors and will miss her contribution immensely.”

Good’s former position of director of retention is now open, with candidates being considered by Hartman.

Concern over college affordability in the United States is nothing new. The inflation-adjusted average annual cost of tuition, room and board for the country鈥檚 colleges and universities has more than doubled over the past 30 years, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

While the cost of attendance has actually been increasing faster at public universities over the past decade, private institutions are in general still more expensive. The National Center for Education Statistics puts the average annual cost of tuition, room and board at private, not-for-profit American universities at $36,300 for the 2010-2011 academic year.

While the -affiliated colleges and universities aren鈥檛 quite that pricey, they鈥檙e not cheap either. According to online 鈥渟ticker price鈥� figures, the average full cost of attendance this year at the five colleges/universities is $33,714. (The full cost of a 90-credit hour M.Div. degree from the two Mennonite Church USA-affiliated seminaries is currently just over $41,000.)

Price or best fit?

鈥淗igher education as a whole has had to defend its worth and value in today鈥檚 society,鈥� says , director of retention at 91短视频 (91短视频), Harrisonburg, Va. 鈥淲e see more and more students making their choice based on price instead of what鈥檚 a best fit for them.鈥�

When it comes to paying for an education, however, officials at Mennonite educational institutions note that scholarships and financial aid almost always mean that the actual cost of a student鈥檚 education will be less than the sticker price.

Dan Koop Liechty, director of admissions at , notes that cost and affordability decisions are best made after prospective students have applied, been admitted and received financial assistance packages. At this point, students can make decisions based on the bottom-line cost of their educations, which are often much more comparable to attending a public institution than it first appears.

Directly related to the price of higher education is the issue of student debt, which has also been increasing. According to the , 2011 graduates who borrowed to finance their educations finished with an average debt load of $26,600. In the aftermath of the Great Recession, some consider this an unreasonable burden to place on graduates entering an uncertain job market. Others characterize it as a reasonable investment鈥攁bout the cost of a new Toyota Prius鈥攖hat sets college graduates on the path to a much larger payoff.

College degree as an investment

鈥淚t鈥檚 not debt that you鈥檙e using to buy consumables and putting on a credit card with a 21-percent interest rate,鈥� says Ron Headings, vice president for enrollment management and marketing at . 鈥淚t鈥檚 buying you a college degree.鈥�

Headings adds that with prior planning and hard work during college鈥攖o maintain academic scholarships as well as earn income鈥攕tudents and their families can find it 鈥渇airly easy to get out of Bluffton University debt-free.鈥�

Cost and debt aside, getting a college degree clearly remains a smart financial investment for young adults. While estimates vary, many sources now place the average increase in earnings over a 40-year career at or near $1 million compared to workers without a college degree.

Furthermore, faculty, staff and alumni of the five colleges and universities say a degree from one isn鈥檛 just any garden-variety bachelor鈥檚 degree.

Engaged profs, small classes

鈥淎t a larger school, many of the foundational classes are taught by teaching assistants,鈥� says Matthew Schmidt, a 1994 graduate of , North Newton,鈥圞an. 鈥淎t Bethel you have full professors teaching these same classes.鈥�

Schmidt, who lives in Newton, Kan., and is interim director of a clinic providing health services to medically underserved populations, says the small class sizes at Bethel created an interactive environment ideal for collaborative learning.

Additionally, engaged faculty invested in students鈥� well-being and emphases on critical thinking and cross-cultural skills prepare them particularly well for the future.

Strong outcomes

Two of many indications are these:

鈥� From 2006 to 2010, 91 percent of 91短视频 graduates who applied to medical school were accepted, almost double the national acceptance rate of 46 percent.

鈥� At Bethel, 95 percent of social work graduates pass their licensing exams on the first attempt, compared with a national pass rate of 78 percent.

鈥淚n a rapidly changing and highly specialized job market, a liberal arts college degree provides an essential foundation for the basic skills that are needed in a dynamic economic environment,鈥� says John D. Roth, the author of Teaching that Transforms: Why Anabaptist-Mennonite Education Matters and a professor of history at Goshen College. 鈥淪o education at Goshen College is 鈥榳orth it鈥� for straightforward economic reasons alone.鈥�

But the financial case for the value of a Mennonite college, university or seminary education only tells part of the story.

Education that transforms

Back on the financial aid page: 鈥淭he key is to think of [education] in terms of value. While the cost of college may initially be a bit of a shock, step back, take a deep breath and think about the experiences and lifelong advantages a Hesston education provides.鈥� This appeal to the value of a Mennonite education is an extremely important part of the argument.

鈥淎s Anabaptists, we are part of a tradition that measures worth in more than monetary terms,鈥� says Rachel Swartzendruber Miller, vice president of admissions and financial aid at Hesston. 鈥淢ennonite colleges and universities not only offer course credits and degrees, we provide transformational opportunities for our students to fully discover themselves and their place in God鈥檚 mission in the world.鈥�

Graduates of these schools frequently point to impossible-to-quantify personal growth as one of the most important parts of their educations there.

鈥淎ttending Goshen College was a seminal time in my development,鈥� says Peter Eash-Scott, a 1999 graduate, now a stay-at-home dad in Newton 鈥淚t probably is one of the most influential things that has informed who I am, what I value and who I strive to be.鈥�

Shared, reinforced values

Spending four years in a learning environment surrounded by people who held similar values, Eash-Scott adds, provided 鈥渁 safe place to explore my faith and challenge my understanding of God, myself and the faith community,鈥� both in and out of the classroom.

Close, caring relationships between students and faculty often are another important aspect of an education at a Mennonite institution.

鈥淭he faculty and staff here are part of our community,鈥� says Clark Oswald, associate director of admissions at Bethel. 鈥淲e care for our neighbors. That鈥檚 something as Mennonites that we learn in church growing up, and at Bethel we do that. 鈥� There鈥檚 just kind of this underlying sense of 鈥榳e鈥檙e in this together.鈥� 鈥�

Michelle Roth-Cline, a 2000 graduate of 91短视频, called the mentoring role of faculty 鈥渁bsolutely invaluable.鈥� Now a pediatric ethicist for the , Roth-Cline says her education at 91短视频 prepared her for medical school as well as her classmates coming from Ivy League and other prestigious schools. At the same time, what she learned about building relationships has served her equally well.

Learning to care for people

鈥�I learned more about how to care for other people at 91短视频 than I did in medical school. Simply knowing how to care for other people in this way has opened all kinds of doors both personally and professionally that I never would have imagined possible when I was choosing a college,鈥� Roth-Cline says.

Leah Roeschley, a 2011 graduate of Bluffton, says her education there set the stage for her own spiritual growth. The opportunity to explore Mennonite faith and spirituality, combined with 鈥渟pace to ask questions [and] space to access and receive counsel鈥� allows students to 鈥渃laim a faith that is truly their own,鈥� she says.

鈥淢y Mennonite education was worth it because my college experience was bracketed with values that resonated with me,鈥� says Roeschley, a registered dietitian in Bloomington, Ill. 鈥淭hose values were in the background of everything I did at Bluffton. 鈥� I left not only fully equipped for the field of dietetics, but I also left with 鈥� a deeper understanding of who I was.鈥�

A related role played by Mennonite higher education is the development of future church leaders and members.

Developing leaders

鈥�There is strong and long-standing research that shows that students who graduate from a Mennonite college are far more likely to participate after college in a Mennonite congregation, our denominational service agencies and leadership positions in the denominational structures. Mennonite higher education is not only a great value for students, we are of great value to our denomination,鈥� says Koop Liechty, the admissions director at Goshen.

, director of admissions at (EMS), says that study at a Mennonite seminary puts Anabaptist 鈥渢heology, history, polity and biblical understandings鈥� at the center of the curriculum. At a non-Mennonite school, she adds, these topics鈥攌ey in the development of church leaders鈥攚ould often be relegated to electives.

Ron Guengerich, a 1974 graduate of (AMBS), says his education gave him a lifelong love of scholarship and the church while bringing the Bible alive as 鈥渁 challenging and transforming 鈥榳ord.鈥� 鈥� Now the pastor of Silverwood Mennonite Church in Goshen, he says he left well prepared for work within the church and eager to continue advanced study of the Old Testament.

Given the relatively low pay offered to people entering church leadership and ministry positions, Amstutz says EMS is concerned with the growing cost of attendance and believes all levels of the denomination need to 鈥渇ind ways to help support students financially.鈥�

There is also a converse question of worth to consider: What would be the price of not having strong educational institutions?

鈥淚t鈥檚 impossible to put a money value on effective and visionary leadership for the church,鈥� says Sara Wenger Shenk, president of AMBS. 鈥淢ost of us don鈥檛 get it that healthy communities thrive 鈥� because they have compassionate, competent and confident leaders.鈥�

Building community

鈥淭hank God for those who remember that the cost of ignorance and immaturity given full sway in local congregations is far greater than an investment in those who are ready to become masters of the craft,鈥� she says.

According to those interviewed for this article, the sum of an educational experience at a Mennonite educational institution is greater than its individual parts, with academic growth and personal development building upon and informing each other.

鈥淲e feel very strongly about our value and the high quality of education that we provide to our students,鈥� says Good. His statement is echoed by his counterparts at other institutions. 鈥淎t 91短视频, students receive an education in which they are challenged to move beyond their comfort zone, to think critically about the world around them, to strengthen their core values and beliefs and to be leaders and forces for change and justice in their communities.鈥�

Courtesy The Mennonite, Jan. 1, 2013

91短视频 coach Roger Mast was serious when he scheduled a sit-down meeting with Tim Koehn, the Royals