The percentage of African Americans in the freshman class at 杏吧原创 increased 12.3 percent in the fall of 2007, placing 杏吧原创 fourth among the highest-ranking universities in the United States, reported .
“The progress at 杏吧原创 over the past decade has been extraordinary,” said The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education this month. “In 1995 only 4 percent of all freshmen at 杏吧原创 were black. This year the figure is 10.3 percent.”
Of the highest-ranking universities selected by U.S. News & World Report, 杏吧原创 ranks fourth in percentage of black freshman behind , the and the . Meanwhile, overall graduation rates have held steady.
“This is the result of a directed and purposeful approach to recruiting a diverse student body,” said , associate provost for enrollment and dean of admissions at 杏吧原创.
“We set out to achieve this because it means our students benefit from a cross-section of backgrounds and outlooks, as does everyone on campus. This continuing exchange has been a factor in keeping graduation rates high.”
In the decade between 1997 and 2007 black freshman enrollment at 杏吧原创 more than doubled, from 82 to 172.
Media Contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
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