Brescia University has been identified as the 5th Fastest Growing Catholic College in the Nation among Baccalaureate institutions by the Chronicle of Higher Education in the 2016-2017 Almanac released this month.
During the 10-year period that was cited, the University experienced a growth rate of 56.7 percent, seeing enrollment climb from 674 students in fall 2004 to 1,056 in fall 2014, which was the second-highest total in school history.
“We are pleased to be recognized by such a distinguished source of higher education information,” stated Father Larry Hostetter, President of Brescia University. “But what I am even more grateful for are the students who have chosen to call Brescia University their home. These students are more than a number to us, they each are a part of our family, as are all of our alumni, faculty, and staff. Their success and ability to receive a quality education in a holistic environment is our number one priority and we are so proud of the difference they are making by sharing their talents and knowledge with others. Thank you to our faculty and staff, and specifically those involved in the recruitment of our students that allow us to continue to transform the world through education.”
To accommodate the growth the institution has experienced over the past ten years, Brescia University has embarked on a $10 million capital campaign that will support the expansion and renovation of The Moore Center, located on Frederica Street, and the construction of a new, innovative academic building on the corner of Ninth and Frederica. The campaign stems from a Master Plan that began in 2008 aimed at understanding the unique needs of contemporary students and addressing those needs with an education customized to the individual student.
Brescia University’s growth is attributed, but not limited, to the following:
- The long-standing support of the Owensboro community;
- The foundation laid by the Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph;
- Strategic planning;
- Expansion into online learning;
- Addition of academic programs including a Master of Business Administration, Pre-Law, Pre-Nursing, and Human Services, among others;
- Development of robust student life offerings that focus on leadership;
- Enrollment services;
- Active partnerships with 2-year institutions.
In addition to this recognition, Brescia University has received the following awards and honors for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 school years:
- Chamber Business of the Year (Education & Workforce Development Program)
- 2014, 2015 and 2016 College of Distinction
- A Best College in the Southeast (Princeton Review) in 2014 and 2015
- 2014, 2015 and 2016 Best Value School (University Research and Review)
- Best Regional College in the South (U.S. News & World Report) in 2014 and 2015
- President’s Volunteer Service Award
- Military Friendly Schools List (Victory Media Inc) in 2014 and 2015
- Top College for Online Associate Degree Program (Affordable Colleges Foundation) in 2014
- Top Online Psychology Degree (Affordable Colleges Foundation) in 2014
- Top Online Accounting Degree in 2014
- Alpha Chi National Honor Society Star Chapter in 2014
- “100 Most Affordable Small Colleges East of the Mississippi” (Great Value Colleges) in 2015
- Top 100 Baccalaureate Colleges (Washington Monthly) in 2015
- U.S. College Ranking by Economic Value (Showmark Media, LLC) in 2015
- Best Online Bachelor’s of Political Science (Best Degree Programs) in 2015
- Top 30 Online Bachelor’s of Psychology Degree (Best Value Schools) in 2015
- Best Value Colleges for Online Theology Degree Programs (Best Value Schools) in 2015
- Best Online Accounting Degrees (Affordable Colleges Online) in 2015
- Top Online Undergraduate Degree Programs in Psychology (Psychology Degree 411) in 2015
- Best Online College in Kentucky 2016 (Best Colleges.com) in 2015
- 10 Best Online Bachelor of Social Work Degree Programs (TheBestSchools.org) in 2015
- Top 50 Schools for Online Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (CollegeChoice.net) in 2015
For more information about The Chronicle of Higher Education and to view the 2016 Almanac, visit chronicle.com. For more information about Brescia University, visit brescia.edu.
