On Aug. 22, Covenant College welcomed the largest incoming freshman class in its history to its mountaintop campus, and on Thursday, bagpipes resounded as faculty members were installed and new students were announced at the 71st Annual Commencement Ceremony.
The class of 2029 represents a milestone moment for Covenant, marking approximately 30% growth in the freshman class over the past two years. Overall enrollment has also surged, with close to 25% increase in the student population in the past three years.
This growth builds on Covenant’s record-setting 91.7% overall retention rate and 88.2% freshman retention rate from the previous academic year—the highest in the college’s history.
President Brad Voyles reflects on the significance of this year’s enrollment: “I am incredibly grateful to the Lord for His gracious provision of this record-breaking class. I want to thank our admissions and marketing teams and our coaches for their focused efforts and excellence in recruiting.” He also emphasizes the broader campus community’s role: “I'm so appreciative of our entire campus community and their commitment to extending gospel hospitality to every visitor who comes to our campus.”
While acknowledging the milestone numbers, President Voyles pointed to what matters most to Covenant: “Numbers are certainly nice to celebrate, but what is most exciting is that families are drawn to our mission to explore and express the preeminence of Jesus Christ in all things.”
Stephanie Formenti, vice president for student development and dean of students, also recognizes what a blessing this new class is to the campus: “Welcoming the largest freshman class in Covenant’s history is an answer to many prayers and a beautiful opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness to our community. It is a gift to welcome new students and their families, and I am excited to lock arms with them as we pursue Christ together.”
Incoming students will benefit from several campus improvements, including a renovated auditorium style classroom and refreshed facilities, such as new carpeting in and a newly completed accessible walkway into the Dora Maclellan Brown Memorial Chapel where students gather three times a week.
Covenant College is a Christ-centered liberal arts institution committed to providing an academically rigorous and biblically grounded education.