Columbiana County – For the fourth year in a row, enrollment has increased at Kent State University at East Liverpool and Kent State University at Salem.

According to Dean Jeff Nolte, almost 3,600 students were registered for the first day of classes. At Kent State East Liverpool enrollment is up 14.12 percent from 1,317 in the fall of 2010 to 1,503. In the same time period, Kent State Salem saw a 5.18 percent increase from 1,988 to 2,091. Since 2008, the combined enrollment at the two campuses has increased a soaring 44.76 percent.

“We’re very excited by the number of students that are receiving their education here,” Nolte said. “We strive to provide our area residents very affordable, top-notch instruction, and we are aggressively moving forward with plans for new degrees, while simultaneously creating innovative learning environments.”

Nolte noted that Monday was not only the first day of school, but the first time that students took classes in the just-opened Health and Sciences Wing at Kent State Salem. The multi-million dollar structure is a renovation of the campus’ under-utilized gymnasium and features new radiology and nursing labs, centralized classrooms and lecture hall. The public is invited to see the new wing Oct. 1 from 10 to 2 p.m. in conjunction with Kent State Salem’s Kids’ Fun Fest and Community Health Fair.

Kent State East Liverpool and Kent State Salem offer 28 high-quality, in-demand degrees, 14 of which are bachelor's degrees. Tuition is less than $5,300 annually. The campuses boast small classes and a friendly environment. For more information, call 1-877-KENT-EDU, or log on to www.col.kent.edu. 

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Top Photo:
Freshmen Zack Lenigar, Leah Papic (center) and Taylor Bailey work on assignments during the first week of classes at Kent State University at Salem. The two Kent State University Regional Campuses saw a combined increase of 19.3 percent on the first day of classes compared to last year. Almost 3,600 students were registered on the first day – a 44.76 percent from the Fall of 2008.

Inner Photo:
Kent State East Liverpool Post Secondary Student Neka Hull and Sophomores Mat Duck and Josiah Hull stopped for a quick conversation after class at the Mary Patterson building.

Media Contact(s):
Ruth McCullagh, rmcculla@kent.edu,  330-337-4247
Bethany Gadd, bgadd@kent.edu, 330-382-7430