Vice President for Enrollment Management

at Gardner-Webb University

 

 

Gardner-Webb University, a private, Christian coeducational, residential institution with a strong emphasis on the Liberal Arts, seeks an experienced, innovative, and visionary Vice President for Enrollment Management to lead the institution’s multifaceted recruitment and admissions efforts at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Reporting directly to the President, this senior administrator is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive strategies for continuing GWU’s recent enrollment gains.

 

 

 

For complete information, see the Search Profile at

https://myersmcrae.com/skins/userfiles/files/GardnerWebb-VPEM.pdf.

 

 

About the University

 

Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in the North Carolina foothills in Boiling Springs, Gardner-Webb University (GWU) has experienced remarkable growth, perseverance, and maturity over its 117-year history. Chartered in 1905, the University is a flourishing national institution known for its outstanding core academic curriculum, global emphasis on student missions, and institutional commitment to large-scale service in its communities. Dr. William M. Downs has served as president since July 1, 2019.

 

 

 

     GWU provides quality undergraduate and graduate education that is strongly grounded in the liberal arts, while offering opportunities to prepare for various professions. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU’s 5 professional schools and 12 academic departments offer more than 80 undergraduate and graduate major fields of study led by professors hailing from prestigious educational institutions across the nation.

 

 

 

     In addition to growing residential programs, Gardner-Webb has an extensive offering of online degree-completion programs for undergraduates as well as an impressive array of graduate degrees (both online and on-campus) at the master’s and doctoral levels. Historically, the University has played significant roles in teacher education and ministerial preparation for church-related vocations. GWU also touts strengths in nursing, business, fine arts, and the natural sciences.

 

 

 

     The University holds firm to its commitment to Christian principles and values as the best foundations for developing human personality and building community. Nationally recognized for its character-building programs, Gardner-Webb challenges students to ignite their passions, purposes, and professions within an environment that challenges the mind, heart, and soul.

 

 

 

     The enrollment of approximately 3,600 students, which includes the traditional day program, graduate studies, and undergraduate online Degree Completion Program, is 66 percent female. There are 44 states, 28 foreign countries, and 93 North Carolina counties represented in the student population.

 

 

 

     GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 intercollegiate sports and nearly 600 student-athletes. The Runnin’ Bulldogs compete in the Big South Conference, Coastal Collegiate Swimming Association, and Southern Conference. The University holds 11 division and conference titles.

 

 

 

The Opportunity

 

The Vice President for Enrollment Management (Vice President) will shape and head a team charged with realizing the enrollment goals articulated in the University’s Strategic Plan for 2020–2025. This officer supervises the offices of Admissions, Enrollment Marketing, Digital Learning, and Financial Planning.

 

 

 

     The University seeks an enrollment leader who has a deep understanding of the current higher education landscape, especially the paths to success for small, private universities. The ideal candidate will be a master of industry-standard best practices, while also embracing a willingness to experiment and to take calculated risks with the prospect of securing great institutional rewards. 

 

 

 

     The Vice President will work in a data-rich and technology-driven environment that entails prospect generation, new student recruitment, application review, and extension of institutional aid.  The Vice President will lead targeted strategies that increase annual yield of new residential undergraduates, commuters, transfers, degree-completion students, adult learners, and graduate students (including doctoral candidates).

 

 

 

General Duties and Responsibilities

 

• Advance the mission, vision, and short- and long-term goals of the University in coordination with the President.  Serve as a member of President’s leadership cabinet. Communicate enrollment updates effectively to the university community and to members of the Board of Trustees. Recruit, hire, train, retain, inspire, and hold accountable a robust team of admissions counselors and staff. Create and execute recruitment plans that utilize all members of the Admissions staff. Coordinate with University Advancement to leverage alumni support for new student recruitment and scholarship support. Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to craft and implement strategic initiatives that generate recruitment gains. Coordinate with academic leaders to facilitate recruitment in high-growth degree programs, either existing or new. Coordinate with Athletics to ensure that recruitment strategies for student-athletes meet institutional enrollment goals. Travel to meet high school principals, guidance counselors, students, and their parents as a representative of Gardner-Webb University. Conduct regular meetings of the Enrollment Management staff. Serve as an advocate for the University in the community and with local and state leaders. Work closely with the deans, directors, and chairs on their recruitment activities. Perform other duties as assigned by the President.

 

 

Required Qualifications

 

• A master’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, along with at least four years of experience in enrollment management initiatives at a higher education institution Strong technical, organizational, and data management skills with a demonstrated understanding of and the ability to use the latest technology for managing enrollment Excellent written and verbal communications, including presentation skills Outstanding listening and strong relational skills Demonstrated drive to succeed in the highly competitive admissions landscape

 

 

Boiling Springs, North Carolina

 

One of the best places to live in North Carolina, Boiling Springs is a small town with a population of more than 4,500 residents. The city’s downtown is a charming setting of boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. Just outside of town is the Broad River and Broad River Greenway where day hikes and tubing are popular activities.

 

 

 

With an overall cost of living less than the U.S. average, Boiling Springs’ quiet streets make it a great place to live, with most residents owning their homes. The public schools in Boiling Springs are highly rated.

 

 

 

If big city adventures come calling, Boiling Springs is perfectly situated to answer. The town is within an hour or less drive from Charlotte’s bustling uptown sports scene, Greenville’s destination downtown with its award-winning parks, restaurants, and arts scene, or the charm of Asheville’s widely acclaimed architectural treasures, culinary delights, and performing arts.

 

 

 

Application & Nomination Process

 

Confidential inquiries are welcomed, and nominations are invited.

 

 

 

Applications

 

1. Application packet must include a) A letter of interest, b) Current curriculum vitae or résumé, and c) At least four references with full contact information including e-mails (References will not be contacted without consent from applicant.) Submit application packet (preferably as PDFs to Gardner-Webb-VP-EM@myersmcrae.com. Review of applications begins July 7, 2022. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

 

 

Nominations

 

Submit nominations to: Gardner-Webb-VP-EM-nominate@myersmcrae.com with complete contact and e-mail information for the individual being nominated.

 

 

 

Kenny Daugherty, President of Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting, is assisting Gardner-Webb University with this search. Request a conversation regarding this search at kennydaugherty@myersmcrae.com.

 

 

 

Gardner-Webb University does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in employment for any of its programs and activities.

 

 

 

Myers McRae Executive Search and Consulting

 

www.myersmcrae.com | 478-330-6222