LORMAN — As of Nov. 1, the total number of new students enrolled at Alcorn State University exceeded more than 700 for a third consecutive year.

The class, which includes first-time freshmen and first-time transfers totaled 709 students this fall, with over 50 percent pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). The new crop of students is highlighted by the university’s first doctor of nursing practice cohort. 

While the university is experiencing significant interest from students and families from all over the nation, this year’s unduplicated total enrollment dipped to 3,523 when compared to the previous year.

In a release announcing the new student totals, Alcorn said its student body represented students from 38 states, 29 students and “growing graduate and online programs.” 

“With all of its success and accolades over the years, students from around the world are still realizing the greatness that comes with attending and earning a degree from Alcorn State University,” Alcorn President Dr. Felecia M. Nave. “Enrollment trends around the state and nation are mixed this year and have been for a number of years as the demographics for higher education are changing. This is a prime opportunity for the university to laser focus our efforts in developing a comprehensive strategic enrollment plan that will continue to attract excellent students from diverse backgrounds to Alcorn and graduate them.”

 Vice President for student affairs and enrollment management Tracy Cook acknowledged the opportunity to strengthen how the university recruits and retains students.

 “This year’s total new student enrollment remained strong despite not meeting our expected targets,” Cook said. “Thanks to President Nave’s guidance, we are looking at this differently and developing new strategies, partnerships and policies to recruit and retain high-quality students. This is an opportunity to continue the necessary work in strengthening our investments in student success, the technology, tools, and people necessary to deliver an excellent higher learning experience at Alcorn.”