The K-State campus now boasts a much larger and more diverse student body than ever before.

This fall's record enrollment number is 23,520, which includes more students of color as well as more international students and first-time freshmen.

"All of us at K-State are thrilled that we have a record enrollment of 23,520 students," President Jon Wefald said, "and we are also delighted that K-State has a record number of students of color and international students as well."

The total for minority students includes record highs for black and Hispanic students, and international student enrollment has increased, including 431 students from China.

Wefald indicated he was particularly pleased with the quality of the large freshman class.

"[This year's freshmen] are one of our strongest classes ever," Wefald said. "I foresee bright futures for them."

Pat Bosco, vice president for student life and dean of students, credited Wefald's leadership for the record enrollment this fall. There has been a steady increase in enrollment through the Wefald administration.

"Under Jon Wefald's leadership, K-State has not only increased enrollment substantially since he took over in 1986, but he has led the charge to recruit and retain the state's best and brightest students," Bosco said. "The result has been K-State achieving the top spot among state universities in producing Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater and Udall scholars."

Duane Nellis, provost and senior vice president, supervises international programs and international recruitment.

He credited Kristine Young, interim associate provost of international programs, and Jim Lewis, director of international pre-admissions and recruiting, for their efforts in recruiting new undergraduates from foreign countries.

"There is tremendous value in getting to know students from different cultures," Nellis said. "These friendships not only enhance an individual's personal experiences, but also help students understand other cultures. This is vital in an increasingly global society."