With a class of nearly 1,000 first-year students, a retention rate (82) higher than the national average (68.2) and the inaugural season of Trojan Football, enrollment at AU stands at 4,519.
“Anderson University provides a world-class educational experience defined by excellence and the continuous pursuit of innovation,” said President Evans P. Whitaker. “Our wonderful faculty, staff, students and alumni are integral to the foundation of an Upstate South Carolina community the University has done so much to help build.”
NCAA football, a new engineering facility and a global expansion of graduate program offerings are among the several new and historic initiatives are part of the University’s continued growth.
For the first time, Anderson University has a collegiate football team. After five years of construction, development and fundraising, Trojan Football begins with a home game on September 7 at 1 p.m. It’s the first of six games scheduled at the new Spero Financial Field at Melvin and Dollie Younts Stadium on the AU campus. (A full schedule and ticket information is available at autrojans.com.)
The Anderson University College of Engineering this fall will host classes in its new STEM-learning hub on North Main Street in downtown Anderson, South Carolina. Acquired last October in a bargain sale from the Foothills Community Foundation, the 47,000-square-foot facility includes three expansive engineering labs, two large classrooms, a wind tunnel and a machine shop, among other features.
“It is testament to the fact that we haven’t just created a vision of a new engineering program. We’ve also planned very well,” said Anderson University Provost Ryan Neal. “For a growing university, it was vital to expand the classroom operations and make connections with industry. We want to make sure we have a program that is going to recruit and graduate students that are ready to enter the workforce and find success in a changing landscape.”
This year, AU ramped up efforts to broaden its reach around the world with the launch of the Anderson University International Graduate School. Master’s degree programs in cybersecurity, computer science and business analytics are now offered to international students online and through intensives held at the University Center-Greenville.
Welcome Week at Anderson University concludes with the Big Welcome Event on Saturday, August 24.
Anderson University is a “more selective,” comprehensive Christian university offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees on campus and online. Anderson University is the #2 private university in South Carolina, according to Niche.com, is among U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Regional Universities South,” and is on the publication’s “Most Innovative,” and “Best Online Programs” lists. Anderson is a four-time Apple Distinguished School and on the honor roll of the prestigious Great Colleges to Work For® program.