Applications for summer and fall admission at the UTM have increased by 18 percent over the same period last year, according to the office of admissions. It is the second consecutive year that application numbers have increased. A recent report showed that by Jan. 13, 1,489 students had applied for admission to UTM, up from 1,263 by that date in 2003.

“There’s no doubt the Tennessee HOPE Lottery Scholarship program is playing a significant role in students choosing to attend UTM and stay in Tennessee,” said Judy Rayburn, UTM director of admissions. “The new apartment-style housing also is very attractive to incoming freshmen,” she added.

The HOPE scholarships were awarded for the first time in 2004 and boosted fall enrollment to a record 6,104. Construction continues on the new University Village Apartments, scheduled for completion by fall 2005.

“The number of applications also has increased simply because UTM offers features and services students want,” said Rayburn. “We think students tend to make their decisions based on a school’s atmosphere.

Students are looking for more personal attention. They are looking at the size of the university and the opportunity to be involved in campus activities.” She added, “Students who choose UTM like the fact that their classes are going to be smaller and taught by faculty, not graduate students, and they like the fact that they will have access to those faculty members outside of class.”

Rayburn said proximity to home and cost of tuition also are important considerations when students choose to apply to UTM.

“Applications are not necessarily enrollments, but they are an important first step in that process,” said UTM Chancellor Nick Dunagan. “UTM is a comprehensive public university that maintains an excellent reputation for its high-quality undergraduate programs, its beautiful campus and caring professors.”