News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
With incoming college freshmen enrollment down across the state, Tennessee Tech’s slight increase this fall proves to be a rarity.
Enrollment Management Vice President Brandon Johnson said multiple factors play a role in recruitment. But, recent facility investments have made a difference.
“You are starting to see these thing, these projects complete,” Johnson said. “And, that is huge. Students see that we are one, prideful enough to take care of our facilities. We are investing in the future, and at the end of the day, their learning environment are getting enhanced.”
Among those upgrades, a 157,000 square foot fitness facility and an upcoming $90 million science building. Johnson said students get a glimpse of the purple and gold pride on the way to campus.
“When students visit, they are driving through Cookeville and our partnerships and relationships and pride that they see in these businesses and with our residents continue to put a great perspective and a great feeling as they come to campus and drive through Cookeville.”
Once students arrive, Johnson said faculty involvement keeps relationships personal.
“We want to make sure students and parents understand that we are putting our students first, and we are making decisions based on what the best interest is for our students,” Johnson said. “As we went through the last recruitment cycle, faculty continued to engage prospective students.”
Over 7,000 students selected Tennessee Tech this fall. Johnson said the university is now focusing on getting those students to return for the spring after finals.
