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SMWC welcomes the Class of 2026 with record-breaking numbers

News | 08.19.2022

With a record number of 260 new students arriving through the gates at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, the Class of 2026 started their collegiate journey as Pomeroys as a part of another record of total campus students. Applications to the College increased over 38% for the 2022-23 academic year and the incoming class represented a 28% increase over last year.

Faculty and staff welcoming home new Pomeroys

With the tradition of greeting the incoming students and families, The Avenue was lined with a sizeable turnout of faculty and staff applauding and cheering for the incoming students. With the welcome, faculty, staff and students settled into a new kind of normal after the past two years of the pandemic.

Jazilyn Davis, an incoming freshman from Houston, Texas said, “I love how small it is and I enjoy how accepting everyone is. I’ve never seen a community where everyone is so tight knit. I love it here!”

Per tradition, President Dottie L. King, Ph.D., was on The Avenue personally greeting families. To her, it’s what sets The Woods apart from other institutions and only proves that SMWC continues to embrace growth for the future.

Dottie L. King, Ph.D., president greets incoming students on The Avenue

“This is the result of a relationship that begins with admissions people and lasts over a year. When I see each and every one of these young men and young women who are driving through the gates, I see the future. I see 4 years from now. I see 10 years from now. I see Reunions and I see the ongoing of a grand legacy that began so long ago and we are doing our part to make sure it goes on to a bright future, so it means a lot to me.,” King said. She hopes the families feel reassured their students will be well taken care of as they see the support coming onto campus.

Waving flags, playing music and swishing pompoms in the air was the view new Pomeroys saw as they drove down the The Avenue.

An incoming student with their family inside Le Fer Hall

“I really like the culture here. Everyone is so welcoming to those of us who are new. I’m looking forward to making new friends, trying new things and having fun!” shared Andy Gomez, from Chicago, Illinois.

Despite the challenges of recruiting students during a pandemic for the last two years, the admissions team is proud of the record year. This year’s overall campus students total reached 576, marking an 11% increase in comparison to last year, making it the biggest incoming class in SMWC history.

Students unpack their belongings in Le Fer Hall

New students from 23 states and 10 countries were welcomed. This is one of SMWC’s most geographically diverse entering classes.

“For enrollment for our institution, we work for about 18 months to recruit and build relationships with each and every student to ensure we give them a great experience. At the end of the day, the College continues to grow. It’s encouraging to see students come through the gates and want to be here and be engaged in the different offerings we have here,” said Brennan Randolph, vice president for enrollment and information technology.

Returning students will move in on Sunday, August 21 and campus classes begin on Tuesday, August 23.