To the editor:

A recent editorial (“Important post,” Feb. 28) about the search for a new Kansas University admissions director was correct in one respect: It is an important search, and it will be a key hiring decision for the university.

What was not correct was the blanket assessment that KU has “done a poor job” of recruiting students. The opposite is true. Last fall, KU enrolled:

• Our largest student body in 16 years (26,458);
• Our sixth-largest freshman class (4,074);
• One of our strongest freshman classes, (30 percent with scores of 27 or higher on the ACT; an average ACT score of 24.3; 100 National Merit Scholars);
• Our largest percentage increase (12 percent) in students of color;
• A geographically diverse student body from all 105 Kansas counties, every U.S. state and 100 countries; and more Kansas residents than any university or college in the state.

Despite this success, we are not complacent. Within budgetary and staffing limits, we contact potential students as early and as often as possible, wherever they live in Kansas. We want them to make an informed choice. That’s why our hardworking staff visited 274 Kansas high schools and attended 49 Kansas college fairs last fall, and is having nine on-campus junior days this spring (more than any other university in the state).

While we seek to build on our efforts, the number and the enthusiasm of our new students indicate KU is doing a very good job of recruiting students.

James B. Carothers,

KU associate vice provost

for academic services