Freshmen Enrollment Increases as Gordon State College Welcomes Fall Semester Students

On August 17, Gordon State College welcomed over 3,000 in-person and online students for the 2022 fall semester. Of the students enrolled for fall semester, 917 are freshmen. This is a 54% increase over fall 2021 freshmen enrollment numbers.

“We always knew that deep relationships with our primary service area would be central to stabilizing our enrollment, said GSC President Dr. Kirk A. Nooks. “The year’s freshman cohort produced one of the highest application and acceptance pools in recent time. At a time when higher education is at a crossroads, students have decided that Gordon State is worth the pursuit. We are humbled that we can play a role in their educational journey.”

Welcome Week events were planned as an extension of the New Student Orientation program where students learn, connect, and belong. A Student Involvement Fair, Highlander Hype Fest, and Highland Games are just a few of the events students will have the opportunity to participate in during the full week of festivities.

The events begin on Saturday, August 13 with check-in for residential students at 8 a.m. and culminates with a Silent Disco on Saturday, August 20 at 9 p.m.

“We are looking forward to an exciting Welcome Week as new students join the Highlander family! We hope that the variety of events offered during Welcome Week will help students begin their academic journeys on solid footing as they learn, connect, and belong,” said Director of Student Life and Recreation Brie McDaniel.

With the increase in freshman enrollment, the theme of the event “Welcome to Fabulous Gordon State College” sets the tone for another exciting academic year.

“I feel the growth we experienced over the summer set the stage for the substantial increase we anticipate for Fall 2022,” said Dean of Enrollment Services Melissa Johnson. “The excitement has been palpable, and I know students and families feel it when they come to campus. It is indeed a great time to be at Gordon State College, and as we quickly approach the semester start, we are harnessing this energy to welcome one of the largest incoming classes in recent history. This is an amazing achievement for the GSC family - Highlanders Forward, indeed!”