"We’re seeing similar growth percentages in our projections for spring quarter also," Cornell said.

The enrollment figures, compiled by the Office of Institutional Research, compare final numbers from fall quarter 2008 to fall quarter 2009.

In the 2009 fall quarter, Ohio University had a record number of students enrolled on all campuses, 32,359, with each student only counted once. Of those students, 21,303 where at the Athens campus, which has seen a 3.1 percent increase in enrollment.

The largest percentage growth has been seen in online programs and on the regional campuses. Ohio University’s five regional campuses, located throughout southeast Ohio, have seen a 16.4 percent increase in enrollment. The regional campuses are currently the academic home to more than 9,700 students.

Online programs have had much growth over the past year, and currently have an enrollment of more than 1,300 students.

"We’ve seen a great growth and interest across the board, with the largest growth through our online programs and at the regional campuses," said Cornell. "They have allowed us to reach both the traditional college students who are local to the region or want to pursue their Ohio University degree online, as well as reaching out to adult populations wanting to re-train or pursue a degree for the first time. "

Executive Dean of Regional Campuses Dan Evans agreed. "We are actively working hard on enrollment. We have added more programs and given students more options to pursue the degree of their choice," he said.

For Cornell, these numbers do not just reflect well on the university, they illustrate positive influences in the students’ lives.

"The increased numbers are great, but that isn’t our biggest drive. Our main motivator is assisting students in finding their real promise, and to be successful. The many different means that a student can pursue that at Ohio University is evidenced in the growth we have seen in all our modes of instruction" he said.