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Wednesday, May 5, 2026
State of the Learner
Enrollment trends, student demand, and what’s shaping the next incoming class.
In the world of academic administration, May is often a month of deep breaths and transition. The frantic energy of application season gives way to the delicate process of helping admitted students envision themselves as part of the community. For Laura Elgas, Senior Director of Student Affairs, and Jess Wolverton, Assistant Director of Recruiting and Admissions, this year has been defined by a shift away from traditional recruiting toward a more human-centric recruitment model.
While UMSI’s residential programs are coming off a record-breaking year, the incoming class has had a shift in their interests. As the AI revolution dominates headlines, students are doing more than following trends. They are building a path to their future.
Jess has observed a marked change in what drives applicants. Students are moving away from traditional “tech giant” aspirations in favor of a more humanistic approach. “We are seeing a surge in applicants who want to bridge the gap between technical logic and social impact, particularly in Health Informatics, where students are using the breadth of information science to solve critical societal problems.”
The “golden ticket” is no longer just a coding degree. It is the ability to align high-level technical strategy with human-centered mission goals.
Students aren’t just concerned about adapting to an AI-driven future; more than ever, many are focused on culture and community. They’re looking for an authentic or unique experience that allows them to get a feel for their prospective school. The recent Visit Day is UMSI’s answer to that need.
Prospective students gathered in the Leinweber Computer Science and Information Building, providing an opportunity to experience UMSI’s home. The geographic reach was impressive, with attendees traveling from 24 states and Canada. From Florida to Washington and Ontario to New Mexico, the draw of the UMSI community is clear.
Laura Elgas, Senior Director of Student Affairs
Jess Wolverton, Assistant Director of Recruiting and Admissions
The day was packed with engagement opportunities for prospective students, including:
Connection by Design: Students engaged in panels tailored to their chosen pathways, connecting directly with faculty and current student ambassadors.
The Tabling Fair: A high-energy session featuring student organizations like SIMA and HISO, complete with a bingo game for UMSI swag.
Faculty Engagement: More than 25 faculty members joined attendees for a deep-dive dinner. This is critical, as direct connection with faculty remains the highest-ranked factor in a student’s decision to choose UMSI.
The energy was particularly high around a major milestone. These attendees were the first to hear about the launch of the new MSI Product Management pathway for Fall 2026. The excitement surrounding this addition confirms that UMSI’s curriculum is evolving with industry needs.
Despite the idea-rich and energetic environment at UMSI, this year has brought its share of challenges due to federal and institutional changes. Laura is quick to point out that the incoming class's success is a testament to the Recruitment, Admissions, and Financial Aid (RAFA) team’s tireless work.
“The team has really stepped up to navigate these challenges while centering students’ needs,” Laura says. “We are so grateful for their effort on all fronts, from faculty participation to the marketing and communications teams who have turned our website into a true recruitment tool.”
As the school prepares for the Fall 2026 term, the focus remains clear. It is not just about filling seats. It is about finding the right people to lead the next generation of information science.
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