JOHNSON CITY (February 5, 2009) – East Tennessee State University’s spring 2009 headcount of 13,126 students represents the largest spring enrollment in the history of the university and an increase of almost 5 percent over last spring’s 12,540 tally.

ETSU spring semester figures encompass 10,259 undergraduates, 2,144 students enrolled in the School of Graduate Studies, the James H. Quillen College of Medicine’s enrollment of 505, which includes 244 medical students and 261 medical residents, and the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy with 218 students enrolled.

ETSU President Dr. Paul E. Stanton Jr. said that he is “excited with this increase and the fact that record numbers of students continue to make ETSU their university of choice.”

“We believe the breadth and quality of our academic programs match well with the aspirations of our students. We also believe our enrollment increase suggests that we are meeting the needs of those undergraduate and graduate students,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bert C. Bach.

With an increase of 5.8 percent compared to last spring, this is also the third consecutive record spring enrollment for the ETSU School of Graduate Studies, according to Graduate Dean Dr. Cecilia McIntosh.

“We are pleased that we are able to serve our region with diverse and high-quality certificate, master’s and doctoral degree programs,” McIntosh said. “Our graduate programs are attractive for students interested in meeting qualifications for careers that require a graduate degree, furthering their education to advance in their current career, or obtaining the education necessary for a career change. ETSU graduate education increases competitiveness in the job market.”

According to Vice Provost for Enrollment Services Dr. Ramona Williams, “A combination of factors continues to make ETSU an appealing choice for students. This includes our academic programs and numerous opportunities for involvement on campus that range in scope from membership in departmental and national honor societies to working with a faculty member on a specific research project.”

Williams also reported that “the outstanding support and dedication from the entire campus community makes ETSU a terrific place for our students,” and she added that the in-state tuition option ETSU provides for residents of three counties in Southwest Virginia and seven counties in Western North Carolina enables these students to take advantage of ETSU’s tremendous educational opportunity and great value.

Information about applying to ETSU is available online at www.etsu.edu/admissions for undergraduate studies, at www.etsu.edu/gradstud for graduate studies, or by calling undergraduate admissions at (423) 439-4213 or graduate admissions at 439-4221.