Roosevelt University’s Growth Spurs A New Academic Offering, Co-Curricular Program Expansion and a New Educational Tower
John W. Dysart
President
The Dysart Group, Inc.
Colleges and universities often seek to attract and retain more students.? Higher enrollments can generate more revenue, increase diversity, foster improved academic quality and change the campus dynamic.? There is, however, so much more that growth can mean to an institution.
Enrollment has increased significantly at Roosevelt University in Chicago in recent years.? The gains are fueling additional positive changes at the institution.? More traditional-aged undergraduates and a higher percentage of resident students have resulted in a major change in student activities.
The University fielded athletic teams between 1948 and 1989.? Over the years, student interest in athletics waned and the University dropped varsity athletics at the end of 1989.
Athletic competition begins again at Roosevelt University this Fall as the Lakers return.? The University will participate in NAIA athletics and will have teams competing in men?s and women?s cross country, men?s and women?s tennis, men?s and women?s basketball and baseball.
Current plans include expansion to five additional sports over the next two years and the University has even introduced a new logo!
The physical plant is going to change dramatically.? Ground was recently broken on the construction of a new education building at a cost of $118 million.
??The new building will be located on South Wabash Avenue.
??At thirty-two stories and 469 feet high, it will become the second tallest higher education tower in the United States and the sixth tallest in the world.
??The new academic edifice will include classrooms and state-of-the-art biology and chemistry labs.
??The top seventeen floors of the glass and steel tower will provide upscale student housing for 600, with stunning views of the city and unobstructed views of Lake Michigan.
??Students will not even need to venture outside during the cold Chicago winters, as the complex will be linked to the University?s historic Adler & Sullivan Auditorium.
??The building includes a new student union along with meeting places for student clubs and organizations.
??The structure includes a dining hall and fitness facility.
??The Offices of Admission, Financial Aid and the Registrar will be housed in the new facility.
It is anticipated that construction will be completed in approximately two years.
Change includes expansion of the academic program as well.? Roosevelt University hopes to enroll its first class in a new professional program in Pharmacy.? The University will introduce a new academic offering for a Doctor of Pharmacy next year.
Enrollment growth can fuel exciting changes.? At Roosevelt University, growth is proving to be no less than transformational.
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