Posted on Friday, September 06, 2024
LaGrange College reached a near-record number of new students this semester, according to the institution’s official fall headcount.
New incoming students numbered 431, a peak not exceeded in 10 years. The total includes first-time freshmen, transfers and graduate students.
“The growth we are seeing in our campus population and in our graduate programs is a testament to our faculty and staff’s commitment to preparing students for their incredible futures,” said President Susanna Baxter. “It brings me great joy to know that we are the institution of choice for students pursuing their dreams and seeking to earn a degree in a faith-based environment.”
Overall, college enrollment climbed 21% this fall, reaching a total of 814 students, after a few years of COVID-influenced setbacks. Freshman enrollment rose 30%.
College administrators point to enhanced academic programs, both graduate and undergraduate, as part of the reason for the growth.
A new doctoral degree in education enrolled 31 students in its first cohort. The institution’s emerging aviation program looks to add 15 new students during this academic year.
“We plan to continue to invest in opportunities to meet our region’s workforce needs,” said Dr. Baxter. “We are working toward a program in manufacturing engineering technology, something requested by the manufacturing base here. We also plan to launch a master’s degree in computer science in January.”
Overall, graduate enrollment was up 82%, boosted by strong growth in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program, which serves 62 students. As a whole, graduate enrollment increased to 162 students.
On the undergraduate level, 237 first-year students enrolled at the college. They were accompanied by 49 new transfer students.
The growth has led to a corresponding jump in residence hall capacity, which now stands at 88%.
intimate setting for audiences to watch talented artists. The first performance, featuring Garrison Keillor of NPR's Prairie Home Companion, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m., at Callaway Auditorium. Tickets can be purchased on the Amphitheatre’s website.
Voter Registration Drive
Tuesday, Sept. 10
11:15 a.m., Caswell Plaza/Pitts Dining Hall
• Political Science Professor Dr. John Tures, Assistant Director for Student-Athlete Services Megan Hudson and several students will be on hand to assist with registering to vote in the presidential election in November.
Presidential Debate Watch Party
Tuesday, Sept. 10
8:45 p.m., Callaway Science Building, Jolly Room
• Students are encouraged to come and watch the presidential debate. There will be discussion on the delivery, style and policies of the candidates, along with the Electoral College process, undecided voters and "swing" states. Afterwards, attendees will provide their emotional and intellectual critique of the presidential candidates' performances. Snacks will be provided at the event.
Careers in the Legal Profession
Thursday, Sept. 12
11 a.m., Room 203, Callaway Science Building
• Students will learn about careers within the legal profession and receive insight on scholarship opportunities and preparing for law school and the LSAT.
Career With Us Day
Thursday, Sept. 12
3 p.m., Bailey Room
• The Center for Leadership and Career Development will have information on its free resources available to students as they navigate their career journey.
Behind the Scenes: Fried Chicken Day
Thursday, Sept. 12
6 p.m., LaGrange Public Library
• Co-writers Alan Smith and John Williams, retired LC English professor, will speak about their upcoming movie “Fried Chicken Day.” It was filmed during the summer in and around LaGrange.
Football
The Panthers will be on the road kicking off their season against East Texas Baptist University on Friday, Sept. 6 (tonight), at 7 p.m.
Men’s Soccer
LC lost 3-2 to Point University on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The team is back at home facing off against Mississippi University for Women on Friday, Sept. 6 (tonight), at 5 p.m.
Women’s Soccer
The Panthers tied Point University 1-1 on Friday, Sept 3. LC will play at N.C. Wesleyan University on Friday, Sept. 6 (tonight), at 7 p.m., at Panther Field. The team will play at home on Sunday, Sept. 8, at 1 p.m.
Volleyball
LC started the season 2-0 after beating Pensacola Christian College 3-0 and Middle Georgia State University 3-2 on Saturday, Aug. 31. The team plays at home this Saturday, Sept. 7, against Tennessee Wesleyan University and Tuskegee University.
Freshman Ella Kahikina was named Rookie of the Week. She led the team with 27 kills, 35 points and 7 service aces over the weekend.
Men’s Golf
The Panthers placed 10th in the Transylvania Invitational Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Sophomore Ian Bramlett shot a -5, placing him in second overall.
Women’s Golf
LC will tee off its inaugural season at the Skyhawk Invitational Sept. 7-8 in Lanett, Alabama.
Men’s Tennis
The Panthers will host Coastal Alabama Community College: Monroeville Campus on Saturday, Sept. 7 (tomorrow), at 1 p.m.
Women’s Tennis
LC will take on Coastal Alabama Community College: Monroeville Campus at home on Saturday, Sept. 7 (tomorrow), at 1 p.m.
(Please note that schedules may change due to circumstances beyond our control. Please check www.lagrangepanthers.com to confirm.)
Friday, Sept. 6 – Men’s Soccer (Home) vs. Mississippi University for Women, 5 p.m., Panther Field
Friday, Sept. 6 – Women’s Soccer (Home) vs. North Carolina Wesleyan, 7 p.m., Panther Field
Friday, Sept. 6 – Football at East Texas Baptist, Marshall, Texas, 7 p.m., Marshall, Texas
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Women’s Golf at Point, Lanett, Alabama
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Volleyball (Home) vs. Tuskegee and Tennessee Wesleyan, noon and 5 p.m., Richter Gym
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Men’s Tennis (Home) vs. Coastal Alabama, 1 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts
Saturday, Sept. 7 – Women’s Tennis (Home) vs. Coastal Alabama, 1 p.m., Greer Tennis Courts
Sunday, Sept. 8 – Women’s Golf at Point, Lanett, Alabama
Sunday, Sept. 8 – Women’s Soccer (Home) vs. Meredith, 1 p.m., Panther Field
Wednesday, Sept. 11 – Volleyball at Clark Atlanta, 7 p.m., Atlanta, Georgia
Category: Academics, College
Keywords: Admission, Education
