Watkins enrollment draws more traditional students

Watkins College of Art & Design projects it will hit a record for enrolling traditional college-aged students this fall. The school had long attracted an older student population.

Watkins President Jim Brooks said the MetroCenter-based college already has 26 students who were no older than 18 when they were accepted for August admission. Brooks said he is optimistic that upwards of 40 students in that age bracket will register Aug. 17-18.

In comparison, there were eight age 18 and under applicants last fall.

"We believe there is a market for traditional college-aged students interested in art and design," Brooks said.

Watkins began formulating its plan to recruit high school seniors in 2000, but has gotten aggressive with the plan only within the last year, Brooks said. The effort is driven, in large part, by the college's desire to eventually enroll about 600 students. Currently, enrollment sits at roughly 400.

"[Until recently], we've never made a concerted effort to attract traditional students," Brooks explained. "Last year, we began an extensive program involving the visitation of high schools. We also have done much more to cultivate relationships with art teachers in both public and private schools in the Midstate."

In addition, Brooks said, Watkins faculty members have given guest lectures at the high schools.

Brooks said Watkins wants to create an "arts village" on its 13-acre campus, with student housing needed to give a true college feel. Currently, the school is looking at housing opportunities as part of its long-range master plan, he said.

As part of the recruitment strategy, Monica Watson, Watkins director of external relations, said the college has run commercials on five local radio stations, four of which target a youthful audience.

"Right now, the focus is on Davidson and surrounding counties," Watson said of the recruitment of high school seniors. "In the near future, we want to expand in Tennessee and the Southeast."

Watson said Watkins eventually will increase the number of staff involved in the recruitment process. Currently, the school has one recruiter.

Overall, Watson said Watkin's enrollment numbers continue to increase. Last fall, the school had 122 new applicants. This fall semester, Watkins expects to enroll 150 new students, which would represent a 23 percent increase.

To date, Watson said, Watkins applicants for the fall reside in Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.