Doane University is celebrating a historic milestone with record-breaking retention rates for the 2024-25 academic year. The fall-to-spring retention rate for first-time, first-year students has reached an impressive 93.63%—the highest in 20 years. This achievement is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to student success and the dedication of faculty, staff, and leadership across campus.
The Crete campus has also reached its highest enrollment in four years, with 841 students, including 23 new and transfer students. This growth reflects the strong sense of community and support that defines the Doane experience.
Doane’s first-year retention rate of 93.63% significantly surpasses both state and national averages. According to the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, the full-time retention rate for Nebraska’s public four-year institutions was 77.2% in fall 2022, with a national average of 81.1%. While selective private liberal arts colleges often see retention rates exceeding 90%, Doane’s latest achievement places it among the top institutions in the region.
A Campus-Wide Commitment to Student Success
Lorie Cook Benjamin, Doane’s chief academic officer, attributes this success to a collective effort across campus.
“Doane is extremely proud of our faculty and staff for their dedication to serving students,” Cook Benjamin said. “This milestone would not have been possible without the collaborative work of so many, including faculty, Academic Advising, the Academic Support Center, the Business Office, the CARE Team, and the Undergraduate Acceptance, Retention, and Persistence (UARP) Committee.”
The UARP Committee, launched in the fall of 2024, plays a pivotal role in fostering student success by tracking progress from acceptance through graduation. Meeting twice per semester, the committee analyzes data from key areas, including the CARE Team, fine arts, athletics, residence life, and financial wellness. Additionally, UARP subcommittees focus on supporting students facing academic probation or suspension, as well as those admitted under conditional terms.
Lori Thompson, Doane’s director of student retention initiatives, highlighted the university’s strategic and student-centered approach.
“Doane’s commitment to collaboration, resource connection, and truly understanding the student journey allows us to walk alongside our students and help them thrive,” Thompson said. “We believe in our leadership, faculty, staff, and students’ shared vision of making Doane the best it can be.”
A Culture of Care and Excellence
Doane University President Roger Hughes ’82 expressed his pride in the entire campus community for this extraordinary achievement.
“These benchmarks reflect the dedication of our faculty and staff to creating an environment where students want to stay, grow, and succeed,” Hughes said. “Our efforts in building a strong academic and personal support system continue to make Doane a model institution.”
Retention rates are a critical measure of student engagement and institutional success in higher education. Doane’s ability to exceed state and national benchmarks underscores the strength of its academic programs, student support services, and collaborative culture. By fostering an environment where students feel valued and supported at every stage of their educational journey, Doane University continues to set a high standard for excellence in higher education.
