Keene State's Class of 2008 Meets College's Goals

KEENE, N.H. 5/19/04 - Next fall’s first-year class at Keene State College not only meets enrollment goals, but also reflects higher academic standards desired by the College, say College officials.

The class of 2008 will number about 1,160, says Peggy Richmond, director of admissions, compared to the goal of 1,075. Of the first year class, about 45 percent is from New Hampshire, 60 percent is female, and 40 percent is first- generation college students (students whose parents have no prior college education). The incoming class, including transfer and readmitted students, will number about 1,395. The first-year class has met higher academic standards, says Richmond, after the College increased the math requirement for new applicants. This is reflected in the increased average G.P.A. of 3.022, up from last year’s first-year class average of 2.975. Members of the class of 2008 will be among the first to study in Keene State’s new Science Center, which will open in August. The $23 million building contains many new teaching and project labs that will provide more opportunities for students to work on research with faculty members. The building will also house a science education center to train prospective science teachers.

Among future improvements to the College, construction will begin on a new dining commons this summer, to replace the too-small existing facility.

For more information, contact Peggy Richmond, director of admissions, at 603-358-2273.