Drop in black freshman enrollment raises concern at UK

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — University of Kentucky officials are expressing concern over a double-digit drop in the number of black freshmen enrolled at the school.

Despite a push for more diversity, UK enrolled 50 fewer black freshmen for the fall semester, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported.

Officials attribute the decrease to several factors, including an increase in the number of students who identify themselves as being of two or more races, said Provost David Blackwell. UK also lost student recruiters last year in the crucial Chicago and Atlanta markets, he said.

Blackwell said UK has replaced the two recruiters and will rehire a company that helps publicize applications to specific student populations.