Texas State University set enrollment records in the Fall 2013 semester

Perras Benford

February 26, 2014

Enrollment at Texas State University has set a record high this school year, creating some advantages and disadvantages for students.

University officials announced a record enrollment of 35,568 students last fall, an increase from 34,225 during the fall of 2012. The increase has led to a diverse student body, but also stresses concerns like parking and class size.

University President Denise M. Trauth said in a statement this increase is a great thing for the university, because it helps to make Texas State stand out amongst other colleges in the state.

“Students and their families recognize our institution offers both an outstanding educational experience as well as an exceptional value,” she said.

The increased numbers at Texas State have also lead to an increase in minority students. Hispanic enrollment increased 12 percent with 10,682 students, leading to the Hispanic student population accounting for 30 percent of the entire student body.

Texas State Provost Eugene Bourgeois said in a statement he is pleased with the efforts made by administrators at Texas State to recruit students from all backgrounds. 

“As the demographics of Texas continue to shift, it is important that our institutions of higher learning adequately reflect the growing diversity of this state," he said.

Some students, like Sydney Afflitto, were drawn to attend Texas State because of the catering to minorities.

“I chose Texas State because of its diversity program,” said Afflitto.

The increased growth at Texas State has affected many areas of student life, including construction, class size, and parking.

 “Parking sucks,” said engineering major Gina Adibi. "Luckily I live at the Vistas, so I can walk to class. Otherwise I’d be screwed."

Adibi thinks it is a good thing for the campus size to increase.

“It is cool that we are becoming more well known,” she said.

Ashley Jefferies, a music major, shared a similar sentiment for campus growth.

“It makes our school more reputable,” she said.

Jefferies also expressed a need for bigger buildings. 

“They could do a better job at creating better buildings and facilities. For instance, the music building is super tiny," she said.

Other students said they would like to see the campus expand in order to accommodate the growing student population.

“Trying to find space in all of my classes has been hard, especially in my music classes,” music major Derek Thigpem said. 

The enrollment at Texas State does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon and University President Trauth thinks that is a good thing. 

"We take our role in preparing the next generation work force in Texas very seriously, so it is gratifying to see that so many incoming students are choosing to attend Texas State," she said.