With a standing record number of 253 new students arriving through the main gate at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC), the Class of 2027 started their collegiate journey as Pomeroys, breaking yet another record of total campus students. Applications to the College increased over 12% for the 2023-24 academic year and the incoming class represented a slight increase over last year.
With the tradition of greeting the incoming students and families, The Avenue was lined with a sizeable turnout of faculty and staff applauding and cheering for the arriving students.
Olivia Shannon, an incoming nursing major from Ellwood, Indiana, shared that she’s ready for the school year to start. “It feels very good to be here. Everyone has been so welcoming and I’m just excited to get the year started. I really think I’m going to love it here,” she said.
Per tradition, Interim President, Brennan Randolph, MBA, was on The Avenue personally greeting families. This well-known custom at The Woods sets the College apart from other institutions even as SMWC continues to embrace growth for the future.
“It’s encouraging to have the faculty, staff and students out here on The Avenue as we carry on this tradition of welcoming new students. It’s unique and gives a family-type feel for those who are pulling through the gates for the first time,” Randolph said.
Waving flags, playing music and swishing pompoms in the air was the view new Pomeroys saw as they drove down The Avenue.
For freshman and legacy student, Wyatt Dossett, a criminology and psychology double major from Terre Haute, Indiana, coming down The Avenue reassured him that SMWC is the place for him. “Even though a chapter has ended with me graduating from high school, coming down The Avenue reassured me that a new chapter is beginning. There has been a very happy, open-arms-feeling around campus. To be a legacy student here – it makes me very proud,” he said.
Even as enrollment numbers continue to decline in other institutions, the admissions team is proud of this record year. This year’s overall campus students total reached 634, marking an 11% increase compared to last year, making it the biggest incoming class in SMWC history.
New students from 17 states, Puerto Rico and 13 countries were welcomed. This is one of SMWC’s most geographically diverse entering classes. The total campus student population represents 27 states, Puerto Rico and 20 countries.
“Recruiting new athletes and students comes with new issues and opportunities, but despite all the challenges, we are thankful to welcome a record number of students in total and a robust amount of new students. When you think about two years of all-time record enrollment that we are achieving, I don’t think it can be lost on us that this is a very significant accomplishment,” Randolph added.
In addition to the campus program, Woods Online continues strong, with approximately 100 students enrolled for the upcoming academic year. With an increase from last year, 74 new students will begin graduate programs this semester, making a total enrollment of 225.
Returning campus students will move in on Sunday, August 20, and campus classes begin on Tuesday, August 22.