ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University today announced that with 3,783 students, 2001 marks the largest first-year class for the institution in thirty years.

The most recent higher year was 1970, which had 3,914 first-year students. Amid the increase, there are also clear signs that the academic excellence of incoming students is increasing. The percentage of students in the top ten percent of their graduating class showed an increase from last year and the average high school class rank also went up.

"This class is not only large in numbers but has the same high academic standards of recent classes admitted to Ohio University," said Ohio University Assistant Vice President for Administration for Enrollment Services Kip Howard. "These students continue the high standards of current students."

The increase in students will help the university hire at least thirty new tenure-track professors by 2003. Those hires will move the university closer to its goal of an 18-to-one student/faculty ratio.

"The entering class for fall 2001 is large and talented and represents the university's commitment to recruiting high quality students," Interim Provost Gary Schumacher said. " I would like to extend my appreciation to the admissions office and the many faculty and staff who worked hard in recruiting this excellent class."