NEWS

For Louisiana Tech University, the short-term success of its 2009 freshman class will be measured by grade point averages, new social and cultural experiences, and the awarding of a diploma at commencement.

For the future of Louisiana, their long-term success could be measured in new economic development opportunities, the strength and stability of civic leadership, and the ability to create a more prosperous tomorrow for all Louisianans.

Considering the academic credentials of Louisiana Tech’s 1,507 first-time freshmen, the future for our state looks very bright indeed.

“Louisiana Tech has always attracted and enrolled the state’s top high school students,” says Tech President Dan Reneau. “The historically high ACT scores and academic accomplishments of our freshman class clearly demonstrate that fact.”

Tech’s 2009 freshman class posted an average ACT score of 23.5, the highest in Louisiana Tech history. 20.8 percent scored between 27 and 36 with another 44.5 percent scoring between 22 and 26. There are also five National Merit Scholars in Tech’s 2009 freshman class, bringing the university’s currently enrolled total to 19.

Pending clearance with LOSFA, over 80 percent of Tech’s 2009 freshman could receive TOPS; a one percent increase over Tech’s 2008 freshman class.

“Universities that have high academic standards tend to also have the best reputations,” says Pamela Ford, dean of enrollment management and marketing and public relations. “That reputation helps to attract other high-quality students who want to be part of and contribute to an institution’s prestige.”

Overall, Tech’s fall enrollment grew by 3.1 percent to 11,289, with 85.5 percent coming from within the state of Louisiana.

Louisiana Tech currently has the highest graduation rate (53.1) in the University of Louisiana System (ULS) and the fastest time to completion for first-time baccalaureates (4.9 yrs) in state of Louisiana.

“We have a responsibility to produce graduates that have the confidence and intellect needed to lead our state into the future,” says Reneau.

“It all starts with enrolling the best and the brightest and helping them to develop their talents.”

Written by Dave Guerin