Sponsored Institutions - Stories

By Sarah Stanley
Executive Director of Marketing and Public Relations
Siena Heights University

August 28, 2024, Adrian, Michigan – Siena Heights University (SHU) has set a record for incoming students on its Adrian, Michigan, campus. A total of 445 students started their collegiate journey with Siena Heights on August 26, 2024. More than 100 class members are being served by the University’s Brain Gain program, a tuition-free guarantee for eligible Michigan high school graduates, designed to increase access to quality, affordable, private education in their home state. 

To share the excitement, the community is invited to the season opener football game against Taylor on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at 700 p.m., with celebratory fireworks immediately following. Tickets are available for purchase at https://www.shusaints.com/sports/fball/tickets/index.

“Demand is strong for what Siena Heights offers: a Dominican intellectual tradition,” said Dr. Cheri Betz, Executive Vice President and Vice President for Enrollment Management. “We value prayer, study, ministry, and community; we are using reason and working toward the greater common good. What that means for students today is a place they can grow their faith in an inclusive and forward-looking environment.” 

Athletics has long been a draw for students and this year’s class has the most student-athletes in its history. Siena Heights’ new women’s flag football program alone has recruited 18 new students. Changes at the University on campus in athletics, the arts, and academics over the last year have been making a difference, with the focus on growth without losing the University’s identity. 

While campus life booms, so too does the University’s online program, SHU Global, which is proud to meet students where they are. It has earned the status of #1 undergraduate online program in Michigan, #26 best program in the nation for veterans, and #2 ranked online Catholic institution on the list. 

“All things considered, we are the best Catholic online university in the United States,” Dr. Betz added. “And if that’s what we can offer in an async online environment, imagine what happens here on campus.”

Siena Heights University, a Catholic institution founded in 1919 by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, serves a diverse student body of traditional and adult learners. Renowned for its leading athletics program and a commitment to the Dominican intellectual tradition, the University offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Headquartered in Adrian, Michigan, the University is a cornerstone of the community. For more information, visit www.sienaheights.edu.

 

Caption for above photo: Siena Heights University welcomes a record freshman class to campus in Adrian.
Photo by Laura Harvey, Courtesy of Siena Heights University