Growing Momentum: Randolph enrollment reaches historic high
On a warm, bright day in August, a sea of yellow descended on the Dell as students from Randolph’s record-breaking first-year class arrived for their group photo. A drone buzzed overhead, grabbing aerial shots of the historic class, outfitted in their yellow orientation T-shirts.
At a time when many colleges and universities across Virginia and the nation are seeing decreases in enrollment, Randolph continues to grow.
“This is a testament to the value of a Randolph education and the innovative student experience we offer,” said President Sue Ott Rowlands. “The campus is alive and thriving.”
The first-year class is the largest on record at 267 students—a 34% increase over last year.
Total new students—including first-years and transfers—totaled nearly 300, which was also the largest on record.
Total enrollment for Randolph reached 816, a 28% increase over last year and the largest enrollment since 1969. This is the College’s third consecutive year of enrollment increases.
“There’s so much good energy on campus and so many new faces,” said Estelle Le Floch ’26. “These first-years are getting involved, wanting to be a part of traditions and fitting right into the social fabric of the community.”
The growth can be attributed to a number of factors. Randolph has seen a tremendous response from prospective students and families to its TAKE2 curriculum model, which was launched three years ago. Under this model, students take two classes each seven weeks, with no classes on Wednesday.
“We know TAKE2 has made a difference in our enrollment, not to mention the success our students are having in the classroom,” said Travis Carter, dean of admission and financial aid. “We have seen increases in test scores, the number of students on the Dean’s List, attendance and more. Families see the difference TAKE2 is making in the lives of our students on campus, especially when you combine that with our small, beautiful campus, growing academic and athletic programs, affordable tuition, and caring faculty and staff.
“We are doing the right things in terms of marketing the incredible experience that is available to students at Randolph,” he added.
TAKE2 is one of the reasons Le Floch, a sociology major, chose Randolph.
“The ability to be totally focused on my two courses and still have time to participate in all my extracurriculars and work has been a blessing,” she said. “I’m able to be a member of a number of clubs, work three campus jobs, and still feel confident going into every class.”
The College has also expanded its academic offerings, adding six new majors, new master’s programs, and an honors program. The athletic program is growing as well, with four additional sports (women’s STUNT, men’s volleyball, and women’s and men’s wrestling) started this year.
“All of these new programs mean that more students are able to find their passions and their callings,” Le Floch said. “It’s great to know Randolph is putting in the work to make sure students can confidently find a place and their academic niche on campus.”
Le Floch has been able to find her place—and then some—on campus. She is president of the Student Philanthropy Council, a Presidential Ambassador, and the Student Government academic affairs chair, in addition to serving as a Davenport Leader, Gold Key Guide, and an assistant in the Office of Alumnae and Alumni Relations.
“My experience here has included so much growth across the board,” she said. “I’ve learned so much about myself, gotten to know so many amazing people, and found what I’m truly passionate about. I’ve gotten involved all around campus, immersed myself, pushed myself to do new things, and rooted myself in all the values we have within the Red Brick Wall.”
Tags: Class of 2028, enrollment, TAKE2, Vita Fall 2024
