Belmont Enrollment Affected By Presidential Debate

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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - College administrators across the country are keeping a close eye on the economy and the impact on enrollment. At Belmont University, administrators expect they'll welcome the largest freshman class ever.

Last year's town hall Presidential debate put Belmont on the map and on a number of future college students' short lists.

In less than two weeks the quiet Belmont University campus will come to life. Belmont junior Kristen Baird said there was a sense of excitement.

"It's just everybody knows about Belmont now," said Baird. "Since our name got out last year everybody, everyone wants to come here."

Belmont was the backdrop for one of last year's presidential debates.

"People are still talking about it. There's still debate '08 kind of stuff everywhere," said Baird.

That buzz continued to have an impact on enrollment. Students and faculty do not anticipate the excitement dying down any time soon.

"It was actually a very exciting time for us. I mean wild and crazy, but exciting," said interim provost Marsha McDonald. "We know that it's bringing students here to look at us. It puts Belmont on the radar screen."

Despite the economic recession, McDonald was predicting the incoming freshman class will be the largest ever. McDonald said the debate played an important role.

"It will always stand out as one of our most significant moments. It was a chance for us as a university to be an important player on matters of national importance," said McDonald.

Belmont's overall enrollment this year was expected to be more than 5,000 students. That means ten straight years of increased enrollment at the university.

A new dorm and a health sciences building are under construction to help deal with that extra growth.

Belmont administrators say financial aid requests are up because of the economy. University officials are working with each student to help them find tuition assistance.