By Holly Gaskill | Echo
This year, Taylor welcomes 536 freshmen, the largest incoming class in school history. The class of 2020 beats the previous largest class, the class of 2014, by 17 students. In addition to the incoming freshman class, Taylor is receiving 42 transfer students.
"The unusual nature of this class is that it is the most balanced class in gender - almost 50/50 male and female," Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing Steve Mortland said.
In years past, gender demographics of classes have consistently leaned more toward females. As listed on taylor.edu, classes average 57 percent female and 43 percent male. The class of 2022, however, contains just eight more females than males. As shown in the graphic below, this leads to females holding the majority in the class by only 1.4 percent.
Although the University celebrates an increased enrollment, it is now faced with concerns about how to accommodate the needs of the expanding and diversifying student body.
"It is very likely that more sections of freshmen-level foundational core courses will be needed," Chief Financial Officer Stephen Olson said. "Keep in mind that this large class is coming on the heels of a rather small class from last fall, so the total number of students on campus will be relatively stable."
According to Olson, Taylor's campus currently has the necessary rooms to accommodate the new students. If admissions would continue to see large classes enrolling, only then would residence halls, classrooms or dining options be expanded. However, Olson also explained that needing to expand any of those areas because of large enrollment would be a "good problem" for the staff.
