FAYETTE, Iowa (September 26, 2008)-Upper Iowa University is the state's most diverse institution. According to information released this week by The Chronicle of Higher Education, Upper Iowa ranks first among public and private degree-granting schools.
"We are gratified by this finding and all it suggests," said Upper Iowa President Alan G. Walker. "Diversity greatly enriches the educational experience by bringing to campus a variety of lifestyles and ideas. It strengthens our students by challenging perceptions and stereotypes and helps them learn, among other things, how to communicate effectively with people of varied backgrounds."
Data published in The Chronicle was taken from the U.S. Education Department's 2006 Fall Enrollment Survey of public and private institutions. Results for the fall of 2006 are the most recent available. For that reporting period, minority students were 21 percent of Upper Iowa's total student population. Iowa Wesleyan College ranked second with 20 percent, followed by the Eastern Iowa Community College district at 15 percent. The average minority enrollment at Iowa's state institutions was about 8 percent.
According to Senior Reporter Jeffrey Brainard, The Chronicle restricted the print version of their report to schools with 3,000 students for reasons of length. About 1,400 colleges and universities were represented. Data for 3,200 institutions was given on-line. In terms of undergraduate enrollment, Upper Iowa is the state's largest private institution and thus appears on both lists.
Enrollment figures for fall term 2008 at Upper Iowa are still being calculated. Minority enrollment at the residential campus in Fayette is about 18 percent. It is projected the combined enrollment at Upper Iowa's 15 nationwide learning centers will add percentage points to that figure.
Contact:
Sheila Miller
Director of Public Relations
Work - 563-425-5326
Cell - 319-610-7108
Fax - 563-425-5701
millers@uiu.edu
www.uiu.edu
