Rcoklin, Calif.- William Jessup University on Wednesday began its 2012-13 academic year with the largest enrollment in the university’s 73-year history.
William Jessup’s enrollment is up 12 percent from last fall to just over 1,000 students, including the largest incoming numbers with 270 new students attending the Greater Sacramento region’s only private four-year, residential university. In addition, this is the largest incoming first time freshmen class to date.
“WJU is fast becoming a premier Christian comprehensive university,” said William Jessup President Dr. John Jackson. “We have basically doubled the total number of students enrolled over the academic year since 2008. Our dramatic enrollment increase, addition of amazingly qualified faculty members, and the positive reception of the entire region, have convinced me that our best days as a university are ahead of us.”
Earlier this month, the University hosted nearly 1,100 people when it unveiled its $17 million campus expansion to add new dining, athletic and classroom facilities to accommodate the growing number of students. The new, 54,000-square-feet facilities are state-of-the-art and fully operational today. Dining facilities are open to the public.
William Jessup also increased its faculty base during the summer, bringing five new full-time professors to serve students in current and new programs, including Psychology, English, Business, Old Testament, and Biology.
The new Biology program, due to roll out in spring 2013, will be supported by an expanded course offering across the sciences, including Chemistry, Physiology, and the introduction of new programming in Allied Health Care and Pre-Med.
The three largest majors declared by the incoming students are Business, Psychology, and Liberal Studies or Teacher Education. William Jessup University offers 45 majors and programs in its traditional program including an accelerated degree program geared for working professionals.
Known as a military-friendly university, William Jessup welcomes approximately 11 new students honoring the latest provision to the GI Bill, known as the Yellow Ribbon Program. Overall, there are 51 students enrolled in the program that allows any veteran who has served on active duty for at least 36 aggregate months since 9/11 to have the complete cost of tuition covered in any program the University offers.
Of the new students, 78 are student athletes joining the ranks of the substantial sports program Jessup continues to build, that includes volleyball, men and women’s soccer, men and women’s basketball, golf, cross country/track and softball.