The Associated Press

RICHMOND, Ky. - Eastern Kentucky University has posted its largest single-year increase in enrollment in 12 years, according to university officials.

EKU had an enrollment of 15,754 as of Wednesday, up 5.8 percent from last year. It's the third straight increase after several years of declining enrollment in the late 1990s.

"We are delighted that more and more students are recognizing the value of an EKU education," said President Joanne Glasser. "I believe these recent increases can be directly attributed to the quality of our academic programs and faculty as well as a renewed universitywide commitment to serving students and putting them first in all we do."

EKU reported significant increases in minority students, first-year freshmen, transfers and residential housing, as well as improvement in retention and six-year graduation rates.