MSU sets enrollment record

Missouri State University has set an enrollment record on its Springfield campus.

MSU officials say 21,059 students are attending the Springfield campus this fall, beating a previous record of 20,949 set in fall 2010, according to a Sept. 18 news release.

Enrollment on the Springfield campus decreased slightly to 20,802 in the fall semester of 2011.

“I am very pleased and proud of the efforts of our faculty, staff, current students and alumni to bounce back after being down some a year ago," MSU interim President Clif Smart said in the release. "Enrollment is key to maintaining our funding as we try to improve our programs and opportunities for students.”

Systemwide enrollment at MSU is 23,071 this fall, up from 22,866 at the same time last year. Students attending the school hail from all 114 Missouri counties, 48 other states and Washington, D.C., and 86 other countries, the release said.