On Tuesday Jan. 23, President Frederick G. Slabach held an info session for all faculty and staff in Nicholas Martin Hall. Highlights from the info session include increased applications, new capital projects, and the growing endowment.

Enrollment

Fall 2018 freshman applications have reached more than 3,100 applications with more than 850 already accepted. New graduate programs, designed to meet the needs of the marketplace and working adults, are also exceeding expectations with 16 graduate students enrolled in the new Family Nurse Practitioner program, and 105 graduate students enrolled in the online MBA.

Captial Projects

Ben Meritt signed a lease on Jan. 19 to secure his spot for his new restaurant, "Ben's Triple B: Biscuits, Burgers and Brews," on the 3100 block of E. Rosedale, at the corner of Wesleyan and E. Rosedale. This is expected to be completed this summer. 

Other proposed projects include renovations to the McFadden science labs, new student housing adjacent to campus, and renovations to the gym and Nurse Anesthesia labs.

The new Nick and Lou Martin University Center will break ground in April. 

"The addition of the Martin Center will be the first and last stop on all student tours. It will be the home of the welcome center, therefore leaving an everlasting impact on prospective students and their families," President Slabach said.

The Mabee Foundation Challenge was officially completed before winter break, which means the Mabee Foundation will donate $1 million to the University Center campaign.

Endowment

The University’s endowment is now up to $70 million, and President Slabach reported that the new endowment tax under the GOP plan will not impact Texas Wesleyan.