ADA, Okla. — East Central University is seeing increases in first-time student enrollment and student engagement across campus during the Fall 2026 semester.

First-time student enrollment rose 9.26% from Fall 2025, marking ECU's largest first-time student population since 2015.

In addition to increased first-time enrollment, ECU's Office of Campus Involvement has observed increased student engagement across campus.

“There has been more student attendance at campus events and participation in student groups this semester than in the previous fall,” said Student Leadership Development and Activities Coordinator Lora Brown. “During Welcome Week, more than 100 students attended each event. From student organizations and campus events, students seem more excited to get out of their comfort zones, make new connections, be out and about, and have fun.”

This year's Welcome Week featured a wide variety of opportunities for students, including networking events such as Mall Crawl and Howdy Fair. Mall Crawl provided students with an opportunity to connect with campus student organizations and departments, while Howdy Fair allowed students to mingle with community businesses and organizations and learn more about Ada and the surrounding areas.

Student-centered events also gave new and returning students opportunities to socialize, have fun and learn about a variety of topics. Events included a Magic Show with John Rotelli, Syllabus Night, a Dirty Soda Bar, Build a Roary, Meet the Greeks, Lucky Tiger Bingo and more.

“The Office of Campus Involvement is committed to creating events and opportunities for students to find a community, whether that is by joining a student organization, volunteering or just finding a group of new friends,” Brown said. “As the semester continues, students are encouraged to continue to engage with the campus and discover more ways to make their college experience meaningful.”

ECU also saw enrollment increases in several academic areas compared with Fall 2025, including:

  • Graduate student enrollment, which increased 6.67%. With the largest increases in the College of Education and Psychology and College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences.
  • Business Administration majors, which increased 19.02%.
  • Psychology majors, which increased 10.8%.
  • Biology majors, which increased 8.98%.

With more than 65 degree programs, growing community partnerships and an active campus life, ECU continues to build on its role as Ada's hometown university.

-ECU-