Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, has announced a 41 percent increase in new students who have enrolled in its traditional undergraduate college. The college was founded in 1869 as a college for women. For many years Wilson College maintained a residential college for women but allowed men over the age of 22 to attend classes as commuter students. Men could also enroll in graduate programs. In January 2013, the board of trustees voted to transition the college to full co-educational status. Last fall men of traditional college age were allowed to enroll as commuter students. This fall, the first male students took up residence on the Wilson College campus.
There are 141 new first-year and transfer students on the Wilson College campus this fall, up from 100 last year. In total, there are 334 students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate college. Men are 8.4 percent of these students.
Wilson Vice President for Enrollment Mary Ann Naso stated that “the increase in the number of new students this year is due to students being attracted to a coed Wilson College. I am confident that we will continue to experience progress and growth.”
“This is good news for Wilson College and the entire community,” said Wilson President Barbara K. Mistick, who had urged to college’s board of trustees to admit men. “Growth in our enrollment means a more vibrant, financially sustainable Wilson College and increased numbers of students on our campus benefit the community in many ways, including from an economic standpoint.”