Departments have seen a rise in participation as University enrollment continues to increase. The Department of History and Geography, the John Folse Culinary Institute and the Department of Mass Communication are among the list of departments that have seen a significant boost in number of students.

Total University enrollment has increased from 6,429 students in the Spring 2009 semester to 6,495 for Spring 2010.

The Department of History and Geography saw the largest increase with a 40 percent increase.

Larry Howell, associate provost for academic affairs, said many students looking to go to law school will start by going into the history department.

The increase in enrollment has also been attributed to some University programs that draw students from a variety of places.

“Many students come from all over for the John Folse Culinary Institute,” Howell said. “The department has really grown by leaps and bounds.”

The art department aggressively recruits students and mass communication has always been a strong department as well, Howell said.

The University Graduate Program is another department that has seen increased interest.

“Many people who might not have cared for what they were doing will decide to come back and get certified,” Howell said.

Not only has enrollment increased, but last fall was also the University’s largest graduation class ever. This is due to better admission standards and an improved institution, Howell said.

“High school ACTs are going up,” Howell said. “We used to see scores around 18.5 and now they’re averaging around 21.8.”

The University’s success can also be attributed to the relationship between Nicholls and Fletcher Technical Community College, which is the model for the state, Howell said.

“Most institutions don’t work well with their community college, but we understand that we’re out to educate the community for the good of the region.”

More than aggressive recruitment, solid departments, an improved infrastructure and increased number of graduates, Howell said there is one reason above all others that the University has seen growing success.

“Students understand that Nicholls is a good institution to get a great education.