Charleston Southern University has opened the 2014-2015 academic year with a record high enrollment and the kickoff of the university’s 50th anniversary.
The 3,417 students (3,013 undergraduates and 404 graduates) represent the university’s largest enrollment in its history and a 3.9 percent increase over last year.
President Jairy Hunter said, “Our vision of integrating faith in learning, leading and serving provides a clear focus for the future. Students of all ages are searching for truth, values and hope in our changing world. Our faculty, staff and coaches are excellent Christian mentors and role models. We are blessed to have a record enrollment of over 3,400 students for our 50th year, and I am confident we will exceed our goal of 4,000 students by 2020.”
Welcome Week
To say campus pastor Jon Davis is excited about the start to the semester would be an understatement.
“What happened at The Movement (worship festival) was something only God could do. The exciting part is that God is still moving!” said Davis, who is starting his fourth year as campus pastor.
“With more than 40 salvations and 82 total decisions, I can definitely say God showed up,” he said. “The three-night event focused on students joining the movement of God and is still yielding fruit. Not only did we see the Holy Spirit move with salvations and rededications but also the discipleship process is at an all-time high. Words cannot express the joy and thankfulness I have in and toward the Lord.”
Davis encouraged students to join God’s movement and make an impact now, not just when they get a degree. “The idea is it is more than a revival – it is more an idea of following Jesus,” said Davis. “We’re convinced Jesus said ‘follow me.’”
Campus ministries planned four worship gatherings in the first days of the new semester. Dr. Rick Brewer, vice president for student affairs and athletics, said the event was targeted at new students, but many returning students from the local area attended as well. “We believe it’s important to give special attention to the spiritual needs of our students at the beginning of a new academic year,” said Brewer.
More than 130 students have already signed up to be a member of discipleship groups. “Now students are seeking to hear from the Lord where He’s moving next so we can move with Him,” said Davis.
Charleston Southern has been kicking off the academic year with a worship festival since 2010.