Tabor College reports another enrollment increase

MB school sets record for fifth consecutive year

Tabor College press release

Enrollment growth at Tabor College set a new record for the fifth consecutive year with 768 students enrolled at the two campuses. Both the Hillsboro, Kan., and Wichita, Kan., campuses of the Mennonite Brethren-owned liberal arts college experienced growth for the 2012 school year.

The Hillsboro campus has 613 students, and the Tabor College Wichita (TCW) campus has 155 students enrolled, including both graduate and undergraduate students.

This is the largest enrollment in Tabor College’s history. The next highest benchmark for the Hillsboro campus was set in 1974. According to registrar Deanne Duerksen, who released the enrollment figures following the 20th day of classes, the total head count is up nearly five percent from 2011; enrollment at TCW is up 27 percent.

The increased enrollment is “a blessing and a reminder of responsibility,” says Jules Glanzer, president of Tabor College. “For the past five years, more and more students have sought out Tabor College, both in Hillsboro and in Wichita, because of the rich learning environment in a decidedly Christian atmosphere. It is a joy interacting with these students and watching the grace of God transform lives.”

Students on the Hillsboro campus come from 32 states. Kansas is the most represented, with 279 students. Other top states include Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas and California. In addition, 17 international students represent six countries.

Rusty Allen, vice president for enrollment management and intercollegiate athletics, says that the record enrollment results from the work of a dedicated team of admissions counselors, coaches and administrators who are passionate about Tabor’s mission and have been able to share that message effectively with prospective students.

“Our team firmly believes in what we do at Tabor College and the transformation that happens here,” Allen says. “We are excited to have 613 young people at our Hillsboro institution to shape, transform, educate and send out to make a real difference in the world for him (God).”

Glanzer agrees that it was a concerted effort that made the numbers a reality. “Recruitment is everyone’s business —faculty, staff, student life and facilities — everyone has played an important part,” he says. “A record enrollment means that we have the opportunity to impact more lives that can go into the world and influence it to be more of what God intended it to be.”