ENMU sets record for enrollment

PORTALES, N.M. (AP) - Eastern New Mexico University has set a school record for enrollment with 5,080 students.

The previous record enrollment was 4,685 students in the 2009 fall semester. School officials say that represents an 8.4 percent increase.

Semester credit hours also increased by about 7 percent.

University President Steven Gamble attributes the enrollment numbers to the quality of Eastern New Mexico's faculty, staff and programs. He says the national economy also is contributing, with more people returning to school for additional education.

Gamble says he's also pleased with the caliber of students. Average ACT scores of Eastern New Mexico's new freshman is 20.2, which exceeds the state average.