Thanks in large part to new scholarship and free tuition programs, Warren Wilson college has broken enrollment records with this fall’s incoming freshman class. The college rolled out several new initiatives this past spring, including “NC Free,” a free tuition program for qualifying North Carolina residents. The goal of the free tuition and scholarship programs was to make college accessible for more people, and judging by the increase in applicants to Warren Wilson this fall, the initiatives are definitely having the desired effect.

Not only did the college welcome its largest incoming freshman class in school history (250 students ~ a 71% increase over last year), but also the largest number of new students from North Carolina that the college has seen for at least 20 years. It’s particularly impressive that a small liberal arts college like Warren Wilson is able to achieve these results at a time when enrollment at colleges nationwide is on the decline.

In an article on the school’s website announcing the record-breaking enrollment numbers, Warren Wilson President Lynn Morton is quoted as saying: “Since its founding in 1894, this college has stood for educational access in this region. With NC Free, we are remaining true to our roots. We know that the NC Free Tuition plan has not only enabled more North Carolina students to attend Warren Wilson College, but it will also allow local students to invest the knowledge and skills that they gain here right back into our community and our state.”

The wait is almost over! Extensive renovations to the indoor pool at Warren Wilson College, including a brand new exterior structure, are nearing completion. The pool was originally expected to open in October, but construction delays pushed that date back. A grand opening celebration is now expected some time in early 2018.

The Warren Wilson College pool closed in 2014, and its fate remained uncertain due to lack of funding for the major repairs that were needed. But that all changed this year when the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners approved $300,000 to renovate the pool and construct a new building. An additional $200,000 of USDA funding was obtained, and a private donor stepped up to cover the balance.

The reopening of the indoor pool is welcome news to local swim teams, as well as the many Swannanoa Valley residents who look forward to having a place to swim right here in our own backyard. The pool is expected to have many open hours for public swimming. Residents will be able to purchase monthly, six-month and annual memberships. For the first time, pool memberships will also include access to the Warren Wilson gym and exercise facilities.

The new facility will be named the Rodney Lytle ’73 Pool, in honor of alumnus Rodney Lytle, who was a star basketball player during his years as a Warren Wilson student. Lytle went on to have a long and distinguished career with the college, serving in a number of roles, including stints as men’s basketball coach and Director of Alumni Relations.