The Lions Roar: Fall 2023 a Resounding Success at Piedmont University
Piedmont University sustained last year’s strong enrollment, welcoming 1,246 undergraduate students back to class on August 16. Undergraduate enrollment is up 8 percent on our main campus, and the number of residential students grew by over 6 percent, increasing the number of students who now live, work, and play in Habersham County.
This year’s enrollment includes 301 first-time-in-college students with an average GPA of 3.46.
Members of the freshman class come from 18 states and three countries. Their top 5 majors include business, nursing, forensic science, explorers, and biology.
“The size and strength of our freshman class confirms that students and their families see the value and return on investment that comes with earning a degree from Piedmont University,” said Dr. Kim Crawford, Vice President of Student Life and Leadership. “We are excited to welcome this new group of students to our university and are committed to maximizing their future achievements.”
Additionally, Piedmont’s Graduate Program has expanded its offerings to Cherokee and Houston counties. Piedmont offers more than 15 graduate programs, including education, art, business, and speech-language pathology.
“I am extremely proud that Piedmont prioritizes providing our students the necessary skills to create successful careers in high-demand fields that fill the community and state’s workforce needs,” said Gus Arrendale, chair of the Board of Trustees.
Additionally, we welcomed 56 talented new faculty and staff members to Piedmont this Summer and Fall. Each new team member contributes unique talents and expertise that will positively impact students at Piedmont while contributing to the economic success of our community.
“At Piedmont University, student success is a team sport!” said President Marshall M. Criser, III. “It begins with a foundation of high-performing faculty and staff dedicated to recruiting and retaining outstanding students. It continues with a focus on student success and high quality advising through graduation and culminates by connecting them with meaningful and successful careers. It is our shared commitment to our excellent students.”
About Piedmont University
Founded in 1897, Piedmont University is a private, comprehensive liberal arts institution offering a personalized higher education experience focused on student success, academic achievement, and professional development. Offering a variety of career-oriented majors in the arts and sciences, business, education, and nursing, Piedmont’s supportive learning environment is defined by small class sizes, with a 12:1 ratio, that allow students to create meaningful relationships with their professors, classmates, and the campus community. Piedmont’s idyllic, 300-acre residential campus is nestled in the foothills of the north Georgia mountains, with a satellite campus situated in the heart of downtown Athens. For more, please visit www.piedmont.edu, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter/X.