TROY—Troy University’s worldwide enrollment topped 28,000 for the first time in University history for fall term 2006, marking a 4 percent increase over fall term 2005, according to University officials.

The final headcount enrollment for fall 2006 is 28,255 students, compared to 27,104 enrolled worldwide for fall term 2005. The increase on the Troy Campus mirrored the worldwide numbers, as enrollment in Troy was up more than 5 percent.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of Troy University, said the increased enrollment for this fall continues a pattern that reaches back over a decade.

“We were the fastest growing university in Alabama during the decade of the 1990s and I am pleased that our growth rate since 2000 has mirrored that trend,” Dr. Hawkins said. “This is reflection of our commitment to provide high-quality academic programs and excellent student service.”

The enrollment growth affirms that recruitment efforts are paying off, according to Dr. John Schmidt, Senior Vice Chancellor for Student Services. He said the potential for future growth is also promising.

“We have an aggressive, effective team in enrollment management that is dedicated to telling the Troy University story—and not just in Alabama,” Dr. Schmidt said. “We have been successful in attracting new students to our traditional campus in Troy, but we are also seeing increases in the number of distance-learning students.”

Dr. Schmidt said that a new 525-bed residence hall complex under construction on the Troy Campus will enhance recruiting efforts for 2007. He said residence halls are filled to capacity for fall 2006.

Buddy Starling, Dean of Enrollment Management, said the enrollment increase can be attributed in part to continued focus on “strategic enrollment” coupled with “strong marketing support.”

“We have been successful in broadening our base of traditional students by reaching out beyond southeast Alabama to the Birmingham and Mobile areas, although we always focus a great deal of attention on our home base,” Starling said. “We have also added a recruiter in Florida, a move that will pay dividends in the future.”