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A record number of residential and online students began the 2024-2025 academic year at �������� last week. �������� welcomed 214 new and returning students to its residential and online programs. �������� also launched an updated version of its most popular program, welcomed new faculty and staff, and improved the security of its Kettering campus.  

New student enrollment in 2024 increased by 10% over the prior year. Total fall enrollment increased by 11%, the highest enrollment in ��������’s 40+ year history. �������� credits the uptick in enrollment to the personal attention the admissions and financial aid teams provide throughout the enrollment process, responsive partners, improvements in retention, and increased demand for career-focused programs.

During one of the most challenging years for admissions and financial aid departments across the US, ��������’s staff worked diligently to help students complete the updated FAFSA. Led by Admissions Director Scott Sadowski and Financial Aid Director Karl Wietlisbach, team members patiently assisted students, parents, and guardians through the process to ensure they fully understood their financial aid options and made sound decisions for their future. Responsive partners, including Global Financial Aid Services, Incito Solutions, and Leadsquared, provided timely technology and service solutions that supported the team throughout the admissions season.

��������’s focus on student success, social engagement, and mental health led to a 41% improvement in student attrition over the prior year and also contributed to the increased enrollment. Angie Dixon, Director of Student Services, collaborates with instructors to monitor grades and attendance and provides one-on-one support to help students succeed. Angie also hosts social events on campus and works closely with South Community Behavioral Health to provide mental health services.

As students question the value of a traditional, four-year education, ��������’s programs, which focus on the most in-demand careers in the region and provide flexibility, have grown in popularity. Students can choose from residential, online, full-time, and part-time programs beginning in the spring, summer, or fall. In less than two years, through hands-on instruction, students build a professional portfolio, develop their personal brand, and gain experience working in the design industry through �������� externship and co-op programs. Upon graduation, they launch their careers with the assistance of ��������’s Career Services Director, and one-on-one assistance is available throughout their career. �������� expects demand for these unique programs and services to continue growing.

As �������� continues to align its curriculum with employers' evolving needs, it launched an updated version of its popular Design Program. Chief Academic Officer Korinne Toadvine worked closely with Career Services Director Katie Looney, instructors, and Program Advisory Committee members to ensure students earning an Associate Degree of Applied Business in Design learn the latest design trends, software, and technologies.  

Four new instructors joined ��������’s faculty to support the student body, totaling 36 instructors this fall.

·      Jelly Cramer, User Experience Designer at Sparkbox in Bellbrook, Ohio, and Modern alum, teaches user experience design courses.

·      ThéShima Craver previously served as an art teacher at North Dayton School of Discovery and teaches art courses.

·      Carlos Herriott is a freelance video producer and teaches motion graphics and video design courses.

·      Carlos Portis, Enterprise Software Solutions Group Lead at the University of Dayton Research Institute, teaches user experience design courses.

Recruitment Specialists Jathan Gentry and Kate Lake and Admissions Specialist Abby Hunt joined the Admissions Team to reach prospective students in the Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio markets.

In August, �������� announced an investment in new security measures at its Kettering campus. Before the fall semester began, Shayna Thomas, Director of Campus Operations, coordinated the installation of new equipment that will improve security at the main entrance.

“The record number of students enrolled at �������� this fall indicates how clearly prospective students understand how their passion for design can lead to a successful career,” said President Jessica Barry. “Students are energized and ready to prepare for the most in-demand creative careers.”