{"id":169524,"date":"2026-10-05T10:57:31","date_gmt":"2026-10-05T14:57:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/?p=169524"},"modified":"2026-10-05T10:59:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T14:59:12","slug":"wright-state-trustees-approve-new-academic-programs-highlight-student-success-and-new-research-partnerships","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webapp2.wright.edu\/web1\/newsroom\/2026\/10\/05\/wright-state-trustees-approve-new-academic-programs-highlight-student-success-and-new-research-partnerships\/","title":{"rendered":"Wright State trustees approve new academic programs, highlight student success and new research partnerships"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Academic Success Centers are among several resources available to Wright State students that have helped drive three consecutive years of retention above 70% among first-year students. (Photo by Erin Pence)<\/p><\/div>\n

Wright State University\u2019s first-year retention rate has remained above 70% for a third consecutive year, marking continued progress toward one of the university\u2019s key student-success goals, the Provost\u2019s Office announced at the Wright State Board of Trustees meeting on Sept. 17. More than 72% of the fall 2025 cohort returned this fall.<\/p>\n

The retention rate reflects Wright State\u2019s focus on helping students persist toward graduation.<\/p>\n

Laura Luehrmann, Ph.D., vice provost for undergraduate education, credited academic advising, faculty collaboration and intentional retention programming with supporting students and helping them develop a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n

\u201cStudent success extends beyond retention,\u201d Luehrmann said. \u201cOur broader goal is to help students complete their degrees and develop the knowledge and skills and experience they need to succeed in their chosen careers and lives.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wright State is also strengthening connections between students and career opportunities through the newly named Berry Family Career Hub<\/a> and experiential learning, including work-based learning.<\/p>\n

The Division of Student Success is bringing academic support directly to students where they live through a new residential tutoring initiative, with study tables in three residence halls and tutoring for targeted courses.<\/p>\n

Susan Schaurer, vice president for enrollment management, also reported that Wright State\u2019s enrollment increased again this fall, reaching 12,157 students across the Dayton and Lake campuses \u2014 up 2% from last fall and 12% since 2022. Read more about the university\u2019s fall enrollment<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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In honor of Constitution Day, Wright State student vocalists sang the National Anthem and \u201cAnthem\u201d from the musical \u201cChess\u201d during the Board of Trustees meeting. (Photo by Sarah Umbdenstock)<\/p><\/div>\n

Trustees approve three new academic programs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Trustees also approved three new academic programs designed to expand educational opportunities and respond to workforce needs:<\/p>\n