Trevecca breaks enrollment record, adding nearly 550 new undergraduate students

By Lauren Steinbrook

News and Engagement Editor

Trevecca welcomed its largest incoming undergraduate class in school history this fall, enrolling nearly 550 new students.

The class includes 460 freshmen, 72transfers and 14 readmits, surpassing last year’s record of 530 new students.

“This year we’re at 460 freshmen… which is definitely a record. On top of the 460 freshmen, we had 72 transfers,” said Melinda Miller, vice president of undergraduate enrollment. “So we up with around 550 total new students, which is a very strong number for us.”

According to Huey Davis, Director of Institutional Research and Analytics, there are 1,672 traditional undergraduate students enrolled at Trevecca, including dual-enrolled students.

University President Dan Boone pointed to national recognition as another sign of Trevecca’s growth during a welcome back video posted on Trevecca’s Instagram.

“We’re fresh off the recognition from the Wall Street Journal that Trevecca is the top Christian university in Middle Tennessee and the top Nazarene university in the United States,” said Boone.

Miller attributed the growth to Trevecca’s relational approach to recruiting.

“We’re very relational, and people respond to that,” said Miller. “it’s been a very successful strategy… we’re just making sure that our prospective students all the way through high school are know that Trevecca is thinking of them, that they we want them here to be a part of this community, and it’s been a very successful strategy for us.”

Admissions data show that 120 (26.09%) freshmen identify as Nazarene, which was the biggest category for denomination/religious affiliation.

“Nazarenes have always been a priority for us,” said Miller. “It’s who the institution is. The church sponsors us, and it’s a great partnership. So we’ve been working hard on recruiting Nazarenes for a long time now, since the inception of the university, and it’s something that we do very well, and it’s worked for us.”

Miller also highlighted local recruiting efforts in Davidson and other surrounding counties, as well as the success of student-athlete recruitment. Admission data says that 316 (86.9% ) freshmen are from Tennessee.

“About 120 of our new freshmen are student-athletes, which is a strong number for us,” said Miller. “Our athletes are not only strong on the field but do very well academically.”

Miller also said that Last Spring, Trevecca launched the Tennessee Scholars Program in collaboration with Metro Nashville Public Schools. The program awards up to 25 sizable scholarships to qualifying students from Metro Nashville Public High Schools. Miller said nine or 10 students enrolled this spring through the program, with the first full recruiting cycle beginning this year.

According to Davis, 60% of Trevecca’s traditional undergraduate students, not including dual-enrolled students, are female, while 40% are male.

While business administration is the biggest program, according to Davis, the top three majors are nursing, exercise science, and biology.

For freshman English education major Sydney Cason, choosing Trevecca was about finding a Christian, affordable option with professors who care.

“I came for a visit my junior year [of high school], and I just fell in love,” said Cason. “The professors here are so passionate about helping students and actually teaching the material. It makes me feel confident that I’ll be prepared to teach one day.”

Cason said she is excited about both her classes and opportunities for spiritual growth.

“There are just so many things to look forward to,” said Cason. “I really like how we have a mandatory chapel. I can see how that’s going to be really helpful. Not only will I be learning the parts of my majors, but I will also be growing in my faith.”

Record enrollment has translated into record residential numbers as well. According to Jessica Dykes, vice president and dean of student development, there are over 1,000 residents living on campus. 

“We have 966 on-campus residents today… and that’s just our traditional housing,” saidDykes. “We also have 86 residents in UTA [University Terrace Apartments], which serves as a mixed-use residential property for us.”

According to Dykes campus engagement has also increased.

“I love to see students living on campus. We know that students on campus are more likely to get involved and persist to graduation,” said Dykes. “We work to support our commuting students, but we always love to see students who can live on [campus] because we believe that it can help you persist at graduation and also, just help you learn to live in community and get that experience.”

More than 1,200 students and families attended welcome week meals, over 600 participated in all-school praise and worship, and 443 freshmen served in Nashville through 17 different service projects.

“When we bring in a really good group of new students like this, they just bring a new vibe,” said Miller. “And everybody seems just really happy right now, all the students, including the returners. It warms my heart and keeps me motivated.”

Dykes announced that Trevecca is proud to introduce the new Wrinkle Center for career services and connections located on the first floor of Waggoner Library.

Boone highlighted campus improvements during a video shared on Trevecca’s Instagram announcing the renovations to Bud Robinson Hall, expanded Trevecca STEM spaces in Greathouse Hall, enhancements at the urban farm, and a new soft-serve ice cream machine in the cafeteria.

“Lean into all that Trevecca has to offer, but also continue to say yes to things that may be outside of your comfort zone,” said Dykes. “Say yes to getting engaged, and if you need help, seek it, because there are people who want to walk alongside you and help you. We have a wide variety of services and people who want to see students be successful.”