Welcome to the latest issue of Graduate Posts. I am delighted to welcome all of our new graduate students to campus this fall. This year, we matriculated our highest number of learners, bringing our total graduate student population to 562 — a 13.8% increase over the last academic year. We also saw a 24% increase in international student enrollment, after dropping 16% in the previous year as many students struggled to obtain visas during COVID-19 lockdowns.
While fall 2021 still presents us with challenges due to the ongoing pandemic, we continue to maintain high levels of excellence and innovation in our academic journey, while remaining focused on the health and well-being of our students. This topic, as well as several others, was a key area of focus in our strategic planning retreat, held earlier this year. Be sure to read the story in this issue that explains our initiatives and ongoing commitment to providing the best academic experience in the nation for learners and educators.
I'm also excited to introduce a new video series, featuring our Graduate Students of Distinction. This issue, we are highlighting the extraordinary accomplishments and drive of AJ Crawford, who just earned her doctorate in cancer research. I hope you enjoy hearing her story and reading about all the other exciting things going on in Graduate Studies.
Dele Davies, MD
Dean, UNMC Graduate Studies