UAPB sees 65 percent increase in applications for fall semester

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – As the upcoming school year approaches at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff school administrators say they’re seeing a rise in applications and it’s something the university says they haven’t seen in the past decade.

Dr. Moses Goldmon is the vice chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Success at UAPB, and he says the student applications for this upcoming fall semester are 65 percent higher compared to this time last year.

“We are seeing an increase in our applications that exceeds what we have seen in the last 10 years,” said Dr. Goldmon.

Dr. Goldmon says applications are still coming in and he expects it will continue into next month.

“I think overall it speaks to the value of education that students know they will get when they come to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff,” Dr. Goldmon said.

He says they have over 7,200 applicants and he believes part of the reason they’re seeing this increase has to do with changing their approach to recruiting and offering more degree programs.

As a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) he says they don’t let stereotypes stand in their way of reaching students.

“One of the things we do well is our student support,” Goldman said. “We make sure our students have what they need to be successful in their classes.”

“Some people talk about there may be some negative things or stigmas associated with HBCUs, but we really just try to focus on who we are, what we do and that’s helped us out tremendously,” Goldman added.

Much of the application pool is from in-state but some are applying from Missouri, Tennessee and all the way from California.

“Students are going to get a well-rounded experience,” Dr. Goldmon said.

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