University of Missouri-St. Louis freshman Kayla Eddings said she chose UMSL because of its diversity and affordability.
“I wanted to attend a diverse university that would give me an opportunity to meet a variety of people, from various backgrounds,” Eddings said. “Being from St. Louis, I know the area can be a melting pot of cultures and UMSL is the university that brings those cultures together.”
In fact, this year UMSL’s enrollment of African-American students is up more than 10 percent. In addition, this year’s enrollment of African-American students is the largest in the university’s 46 year history. This year, 21 percent (2,253) of the students enrolled on campus at UMSL (2,253) are African-Americans, up 10.5 percent from last year’s total of 2,038. Enrollment throughout UMSL is up this year as well. Chancellor Tom George attributes that to UMSL’s offerings of outstanding programs with affordable tuition.
“We have award-winning faculty, nationally ranked academic programs and an excellent metropolitan campus setting,” George said.
“And we have worked very hard to remain financially accessible as more and more Missourians understand the role advanced skill sets and higher education play in a challenging, changing economy.”
UMSL nursing student Dwayne Clemons said he feels UMSL is a place for everyone.
“I’ve met so many people, not only African-American students, but those from other countries. Everyone is welcoming,” Clemons said. “I don’t feel like there is a focus here on minority groups, but rather a focus on strengthening diversity.”
The largest university in the region, UMSL enrolls more than 16,546 students from 46 states and 77 countries and 40,000 additional students in non-credit continuing education programs.
Despite its international flavor, the UMSL student body comes primarily from, and reflects the diversity of, the region. More than 1,200 students live on campus and 175 students participate in one of 11 NCAA Division II sports programs. More than 57,900 UMSL alumni live and work in Missouri.
Visit www.umsl.edu for more information.
UMSL tutors Normandy
UMSL is partnering with the Normandy School District to implement its Students of Service (SOS) program. SOS is being made possible through a three-year $420,000 Learn and Serve America Higher Education grant from the Corporation for National and Community Service. These grants are awarded to a limited number of universities nationwide to expand participation in community service and service-learning to meet the needs of their local communities.
Through SOS, UMSL students will engage Normandy students in mentoring and tutoring programs. “We are looking forward to participating in the program. This will allow us the opportunity to get to know and interact with our neighbors in the Normandy School District,” said Betherny Stafford, an UMSL senior.
Stanton E. Lawrence, superintendent of schools in the Normandy School District, said, “We view UMSL as an invaluable resource and look forward to bringing about another unique partnership that will serve to benefit the students of this community.”
The SOS program will be guided by a Community Advisory Committee comprised of community organization representatives and local residents. It is administered by the university’s College of Education and the Community Partnership Project, in cooperation with the Office of Student Life, the Center for Teaching and Learning and the School of Social Work.
