Campus comes alive as record numbers enroll
This month, Erskine College welcomed 854 undergraduates, one of the largest student bodies in the institution’s history. The group includes Erskine’s third largest freshman class and largest number of incoming transfers in a decade.
“This year’s enrollment is a clear sign of God’s blessing and the strength of Erskine’s mission,” says Erskine President Dr. Steve Adamson. “We are grateful to welcome one of the largest student bodies in our history, and we remain committed to preparing students for lives of service and leadership.”
This year’s total fall enrollment is eight percent higher than last year, 29 percent higher than in 2015, and more than 50 percent higher than in 2000.
Erskine’s student body is richly varied, representing 24 countries and territories, including Australia, the Bahamas, France, India, Portugal, South Africa, and Thailand. Within the U.S., students come not only from South Carolina and neighboring states, but also from across the nation—from California to Maine, Indiana to Kansas, Washington to Wisconsin—31 states in all. About 40 percent of Erskine’s students represent minority ethnicities.
“We are grateful to see such a strong enrollment this semester,” says Erskine Provost Dr. Edward Clavell. “It reflects the faithful work of many departments across campus, each doing its part to welcome and support students.”
Freshmen moved onto campus August 16, and classes began the following Wednesday, August 20.
During welcome week, the freshman class experienced Erskine activities and traditions. Students, faculty, and staff enjoyed a welcome-back picnic on the evening before classes started. Freshman women recited the honor pledge and added their names to those of preceding generations at the 102nd annual Signing of the Book, with Associate Professor of Education Dr. Sarah Little ’06 addressing them at the event. At the Signing of the Scroll, a new tradition begun in 2024, freshman men heard from Head Football Coach Shap Boyd, who encouraged them to “be where your feet are” as they focus on their studies, sports, service, and spiritual growth at Erskine.
“I’m delighted to see our first-year students already settling in, making friends, and throwing themselves into their studies,” says Dr. Christine Schott, Professor of English and chair of the Faculty Executive Committee. “I look forward to seeing what they accomplish during their careers at Erskine.”
Erskine’s graduate programs are also flourishing. The Master of Arts in Christian Counseling, now in its second year since moving under the college’s administration, has enrolled 22 students.
Meanwhile, Erskine Seminary’s Global Diploma in Theological and Christian Leadership program, designed to equip church leaders in the Global South, now serves 307 students. The program currently operates in Rwanda and Pakistan with expansion underway in Mexico.
From the undergraduate campus in Due West to seminary programs abroad, Erskine continues to fulfill its mission of equipping students for lives of service, leadership, and influence around the world.
Clavell observes growing enthusiasm on campus now that students have returned, and he sees spiritual strength at work.
“It’s more than just new beginnings—it’s the joy of a community united to learn, to serve, and to glorify God through the work before us,” the provost says.
“I would describe this excitement as a renewed awe of God. The Erskine community has witnessed His faithfulness in recent years, and now we look forward with great anticipation to what He will do next.”
