Banner enrollment lifts Paul Smith's College

Student body grows 5 percent; new residence hall accommodates growth

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Overlook Hall, the newest residence hall at Paul Smith's College.

PAUL SMITHS, NY (09/22/2011)(readMedia)-- Enrollment surged for the second consecutive year at Paul Smith's College, as its total number of students remain near 30-year highs.

Enrollment for the fall semester is 1,063 students. That's up more than 5 percent from last fall, when 1,007 enrolled, and 16 percent from two years ago. It's the highest level since enrollment topped 1,100 in 1981. A new, 93-bed residence hall designed to LEED standards is accommodating the growth.

"We're growing because students and their families understand that a Paul Smith's education today creates opportunities tomorrow," said Dr. John W. Mills, president of Paul Smith's College. "Our focus on experiential learning is valued by employers, and we're excited to welcome this great group of students as we begin our 65th year."

A survey of recent Paul Smith's graduates completed by the college this summer showed that 90 percent either landed jobs in their chosen fields or went to graduate school within six months of graduation.

At a time when student financial aid is threatened by federal and state budget cuts, Mills said continued federal and state support is critical to ensuring that the college can continue to grow.

"Our plan is to keep expanding, but our students are very dependent on financial aid from both federal and state sources," he said. "When more students attend Paul Smith's, that's good news for the Adirondack economy as well. Increased enrollment means there are more students purchasing goods and services in the community. It also means that we are creating jobs for new faculty and staff."

About 400 students are enrolled in the incoming class or have transferred from other institutions. Most of the new students - 68 percent - are from New York State. The overall enrollment total includes students enrolled at the college's Accelerated Career Experience program at Adirondack Community College and Finger Lakes Community College.

The on-campus growth led to the construction of a new residence hall, Overlook Hall, which is located off Keese Mills Road. The $8 million building, which was designed and built by BBL Construction Services of Albany, opened earlier this month. It features 23 four-bedroom suites, each of which includes a kitchen, living room and two bathrooms.

Several environmentally friendly features are built into Overlook Hall, such as a geothermal heating and cooling system and a parking lot paved with permeable asphalt. The building is expected to qualify for LEED Silver status.

About Paul Smith's College

At Paul Smith's College, it's about the experience. Our programs, in fields including hospitality, culinary arts, forestry, natural resources, entrepreneurship and the sciences, draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere.