Northwestern State University received a Title III grant to increase their declining enrollment by 35% through expanding their online course offerings. Their strategy included creating a faculty development program, adding technology support, and increasing the number of online classes and degrees. As a result of this effort, the university saw a 32% enrollment increase within 4 years, with 27% of students now taking online classes. They also received numerous recognitions for their online programs.

1. WE MAY NOT HAVE STARBUCKS…BUT WE HAVE LOTS OF CLASS! Presented to the Empowering Institutions 2010 Conference Presenter Ms. Hedy Pinkerton April 2010

3. Culturally diverse, 48% first generation college

4. Characterized by poverty, geographic isolation, and underserved/disadvantaged youth

5. State mandated admissions increase

8. Add technology support elements

9. Increase online classes and degrees offered

11. Created a 9-month, 3-level Professional Development program for faculty

12. Gained institutional support for 20 faculty cohort members per year

16. iTunes U and Smart Classrooms

18. Provided faculty incentives

19. Added two new degrees per year

21. Added a minimum of two basic new services per year

23. Students in 35 states and 5 countries

24. 27 online degrees and certifications plus 122 new or redesigned online courses

27. CALL adult learning program ($60K grant)

28. Virtual Reference Library ($400K grant)

29. Virtual Music Library ($20,000)

30. Most student services now online

31. Increased use of technology in traditional classrooms

33. Adult Learning Friendly Institute

34. Lumina Foundation Recognition of Adult Learning

35. GI Jobs – Military Friendly Designation for 2010

36. GetEducated.com – Top 10 Most Affordable Online Degrees

38. Northwestern was just named the leader in distance learning for the State

39. Available online degrees have doubled in four years

41. Northwestern State University Mrs. Hedy Pinkerton Director of Electronic & Continuing Education pinkertonh@nsula.edu Dr. Darlene Williams Vice President for Technology, Research, & Economic Development darlene@nsula.edu