Enrollment Numbers are up for Centenary College

SHREVEPORT, LA — As students are welcomed back to Centenary College of Louisiana this fall, faculty and staff are enthusiastic over the boost in enrollment numbers. From the 2011 spring semester to fall semester, enrollment has jumped from 749 to 805 undergraduates.

The Admission Office reports 240 freshmen, 33 transfers, and 13 re-admitted students, for a total of 286 students who were not on campus previously. Student-athletes who will be representing Centenary in its new Division III American Southwest Conference make up the majority of the entering class.

The freshmen students' average ACT score is 25 and their average GPA is a 3.5.

"My experience has been even better than I expected. I chose Centenary not only because both of my parents are alumni, but for the chance to experience theater and art while gaining a strong background to become a political analyst," says Freshman Marilyn Wells. She came to Shreveport after living in the United Arab Emirates for fifteen years.

The Centenary Class of 2015 comes from one U. S. territory, two foreign countries, and over 16 states, including: Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Texas.

"Our enrollment services team and athletics staff worked diligently all year to bring in the type of students for which Centenary will be proud. I want to give special thanks to all Centenary faculty and staff that played a role in the recruitment and enrollment of the Fall 2011 class," says Mickey Quinlan, Director of Admission.

Overall, there are almost 900 undergraduate and graduate students attending Centenary this fall.

"We are so excited to welcome the Class of 2015 to our campus. They are a wonderful addition to our Centenary family, and their enthusiasm and eagerness has been infectious as we kick off a new academic year," says Betsy Eaves, Vice President for Student Development and Chaplain.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and has been recognized as "One of the Best 371 Colleges" by the Princeton Review and one of "America's Best Colleges" and one of "America's Best Private Colleges" by Forbes.com. In 2008 Centenary College celebrated 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.