At least three universities associated with Churches of Christ ­— Harding, Abilene Christian and Oklahoma Christian — enrolled record numbers this fall. The student population also rose at Lipscomb University, but fell short of a record. At Harding University in Searcy, Ark., enrollment topped 6,000 for the first time. The 6,108 students mark a record for the 20th straight year. A 10.5 percent rise in graduate enrollment fueled the increase.

“This is a manageable growth rate,” Harding President David B. Burks said. “Our undergraduate numbers did not reach the level that we thought they would. However, we are pleased with a 2.2 percent overall increase.”

At Abilene Christian University in Texas, the 4,796 students enrolled this fall beat the previous record of 4,786 — set two years ago — by 10.

“This is a great way to end our Centennial year and begin our second century,” ACU President Royce Money said.
Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City recorded its third straight record, hitting 2,122. That’s a 3 percent overall increase, with graduate enrollment up 13 percent.

“Our continued success in attracting more and more outstanding students ... is due in no small measure to our exceptional faculty and their dedication to these students and their faith-based education,” Oklahoma Christian President Mike O’Neal said.
At Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn., an 8 percent increase in freshman enrollment and a nearly 20 percent leap in graduate enrollment pushed total enrollment to 2,563.

“The last two years have been rebuilding years for our enrollment, so we are excited that changes in marketing, recruiting and student retention programs are already starting to pay off,” Lipscomb President Randy Lowry said.

Enrollment figures were still pending at some universities at press time.

Oct. 1, 2006