This year, 799 students have chosen to pursue their God-given calling at Union Adventist University. That’s an increase of 126 over last year (673), and the highest headcount since 2019.
Corbin Schlisner (center) leads out in prayer during a recent student picnic. Schlisner is a junior computer science major from Davey, Nebraska, and this year’s Student Association Financial Vice President.
Union’s enrollment has seen a slow but steady decline since 2007 when it briefly exceeded 1,000 students. With errors and delays in the application for federal financial aid (FAFSA) as well as the economic pressures of inflation and high interest rates, it seemed like only a miracle could reverse the trend this year. So Union’s faculty and staff asked for one. Every Wednesday this summer, employees gathered to pray in the College View Church, earnestly asking God to bring students who will benefit from Union’s rigorous academic programs and unique campus culture.
“These are prayed-for students,”
said Dr. Yami Bazan, university president. “We are praising God for growth both in new students and overall enrollment. Each of our students is writing their success story, and we are grateful and privileged to play a role in it.”
In addition to praying, faculty from across campus got involved with the recruitment process this summer. Union’s academic programs each hosted a Zoom session to connect with prospective students and answer questions. Due to the many issues with the new FAFSA, Student Financial Services worked even longer hours than usual to provide accurate financial aid packages for applicants.
Ava Fuentes and Brooklyn Wishard pose together before serving the Lincoln community during Project Impact.
While this freshmen class is 10 percent larger than last year’s, first-year students don’t account for all of the growth.
The number of graduate students increased by five to 104,
exceeding 100 for the first time in Union’s history thanks to the inaugural class in the new master of occupational therapy program. The university also welcomed 61 transfer students and 25 returning students who are back to complete their degrees after a period of absence.
“I cannot praise the faculty, staff and College View community enough, particularly Student Financial Services, Records and Enrollment who went the extra mile (or extra thousand miles) to help overcome the additional obstacles students faced this year,” Bazan said.
“God has blessed us with an amazing community of students. It’s a joy to see our team — our Union family — in action.”
Nursing students give a thumbs up as the begin their first day of their senior year at Union Adventist University.
