Published September 18, 2023
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe is celebrating a number of enrollment increases
in key areas at the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year. The university saw a
4% increase in First Time Freshmen, a 4% increase in transfer students, and a 10%
increase in Dual Enrollment students. Overall enrollment is up 62 total students compared
to fall 2022.
The ULM Honors Program is celebrating an overall enrollment increase of 38%. A total
of 132 freshmen joined the program this year, making it the largest-ever freshman
class for the program.
The inaugural cohort of the Doctor of Physical Therapy program launched this semester
with 49 students enrolled. Additionally, the Doctor of Education program has a total
of 252 students enrolled, the largest number to date. The online Ed. D. program includes
students from all over the U.S. and is one of the few of its kind in the state.
“Overall, the enrollment increase demonstrates the hard work of several dedicated
staff and faculty that are dedicated to meeting our students’ needs,” said Dr. Mark
Arant, ULM Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The staff in Recruitment
and Admissions worked incredibly hard this year to be successful. Because we are
seeing increases through both new and recently innovated programs, ULM is making the
case for the relevancy of a college degree by remaining diligent in our offerings,”
added Arant.
Dr. Joshua Stockley, Director of the ULM Honors Program, says the record freshman
class boasts an average GPA of 3.85 and includes 21 valedictorians. Although the Honors
Program does not require a minimum test score for admission, the average ACT for the
class is 28 and the average SAT is 1325. Collectively, the freshman class represents
31 unique majors for all four undergraduate colleges. “The first thing that stands out is the strength of this freshman class; however,
and equally exciting, is their diversity, enthusiasm, leadership, and future potential,”
said Stockley.
International students comprise 23% of the Honors Program freshman class. “The Honors Program is the highlight of the international students’ experience for
many,” said Gina White, Director of International Student Services and Multicultural
Affairs. “The program is an excellent opportunity for international students to cultivate
a more intimate educational experience while here at ULM. The expertise and resources
that they are afforded during the program make for an even more rewarding experience
while studying here,” said White.
“The ULM Honor’s Program provides students seeking a more holistic interdisciplinary
approach to their college experience something extraordinary,” said Lisa Miller, ULM
Vice President of Enrollment Management and University Relations. “As the stellar
reputation of this program continues to spread, students from around the globe are
taking notice which leads to increased enrollment,” Miller added that students who
participate in the Honors Program are leaders across campus and are highly sought
out by employers and professional programs.
Freshman Honors Program student Deacon “Ivan” James said he knew he wanted to make
ULM his home from the moment he took his first step on campus. “The honors program is full of opportunities: I have made friends who are pushing me
to be the best version of myself. The professors are very approachable, kind, smart,
and helpful. I am looking forward to these next few years,” said James.
“Our growth is the product of students, parents, and high schools recognizing the
academic excellence of the University of Louisiana Monroe and the unique opportunities
offered by the ULM Honors Program,” said Stockley. “We offer a curriculum – the FLIGHT
Program – that is unlike any other honors program in the state. We are not just the
best on the bayou, we are the best in Louisiana at what we do.”
The ULM Honors Program is a unique program that seeks intellectually curious students
who desire to challenge themselves with new ideas and to work with similarly motivated
students.
The program is open to all majors and offers various options while working within
the degree. Honors students are exposed to more in-depth topics and work closely with
the Honors Faculty.
Honors students learn in smaller, discussion-based courses. Additionally, Honors students
are eligible for exclusive Honors Housing in Bayou Suites, as well as extra Honors-only
scholarships. Learn more at https://www.ulm.edu/honors/program
