Broad

The president of the University of North Carolina public school system noted in a recent report that the state’s college enrollment has risen significantly over the last three decades.

“Since 1997 our University’s wide enrollment has grown more than 17,600 students, which is the equivalent of adding the entire student bodies of UNC Wilmington and North Carolina Central University,” Molly Broad wrote.

Broad reported that minority enrollment has doubled since the 1970s. North Carolina A&T’s enrollment went from 4,510 students in 1972 to 8,319 in 2001. Similarly, NCCU’s growth went from 3,760 students to 5,753 over the same time period.

“We are proud of our demonstrated success in making this University more accessible and more welcoming to students of color,” said Broad.

In 1972 there were 14,440 African American students in the UNC system. By 2001, African American students numbered 35,358.

Broad partially attributed the growth to North Carolina’s 2000 bond campaign.

“When voters of North Carolina overwhelmingly approved the $3.1 billion higher education bond issue, the rebuilding and expansion were made possible,” said Broad.

Current construction on NCCU’s campus was made possible by passage of the bond referendum.

Broad was recently a guest on UNC-TV’s “North Carolina Now.” Host Shannon Vickery asked Broad about what was ahead for the UNC system, as well as what she had accomplished.

“It has been a period of enormous growth and change throughout North Carolina,” Broad said of her five-year tenure.

Broad said that in the past year, North Carolina’s college enrollment rate met the national rates for the first time.

She also emphasized the outreach that the UNC system has to students and their families.

“We are not yet at full funding of our need-based students,” said Broad, adding that financial aid has made great progress nevertheless.

Vickery also asked a question about the rise in tuition.

“They have been very difficult decisions to make,” Broad responded. “I will feel free that we are gaining on our goal for affordable access.”

In her report, Broad pointed out that 120 new degree programs were added.

“Everywhere I go, people are prompted—when they hear I am from the University of North Carolina—to comment favorably about some singular accomplishment of the faculty, to acknowledge some research breakthrough or ‘best practice’ attributed to one of our campuses,” said Broad.

She also praised the leadership at universities in the UNC system.

“UNC campuses are admired around the world for the brilliance in our faculty ranks and student bodies,” said Broad. “This is also a testament to the leadership of our chancellors.”

Projected growth in the UNC system for the 2002-03 school year is estimated at more than 170,000 students.