USU Eastern’s new, improved recruitment program opens
A strong recruitment program is essential to any higher education institution. As many are already aware, USU Eastern has gone through some rough patches with regards to enrollment. When enrollment at a college drops, it is cause for concern. Without new students, a college can no longer sustain itself and it is quickly met with complications of every kind.
It is no secret that the merger with USU brought many changes to the campus. One of those changes was the reorganization of the enrollment department. The college hired three new faces to fill the recently created positions.
This archived article was written by: Emily Williams
A strong recruitment program is essential to any higher education institution. As many are already aware, USU Eastern has gone through some rough patches with regards to enrollment. When enrollment at a college drops, it is cause for concern. Without new students, a college can no longer sustain itself and it is quickly met with complications of every kind.
It is no secret that the merger with USU brought many changes to the campus. One of those changes was the reorganization of the enrollment department. The college hired three new faces to fill the recently created positions.
Greg Dart is now the director of enrollment management. Dart got his start at a two-year college similar to USU Eastern. He believes that going to a smaller institution was an excellent choice and is motivated to help students take that first step into their higher education here at Eastern. He majored in journalism and public relations. He spent several years in Alaska putting those skills to use as a reporter for newspapers and magazines. He made his way back to Utah when he was hired at Snow College to work in their department of admissions and communications.
While at Snow, Dart completed a degree from USU in educational technology, and implemented new programs that increased enrollment success. Dart has now decided to pursue a doctorate degree, which he will start course work for in January.
When he heard about this position at Eastern, he realized it would be a great way to combine his passion for small-college experiences and his USU pride. He feels that there is a great experience offered to students at USU Eastern, that they couldn’t find anywhere else.
Also new to the enrollment department are two new full-time recruiters. Wade Arave has spent the past few years teaching theatre to high school students in Cedar City. Growing up, Arave moved all over the world because of his family’s military service. Arave brings a sort of charismatic energy to every situation he is met with. This will undoubtedly serve him well as he represents Eastern at high schools throughout the state.
Kevin Hurst comes to the enrollment team straight from the University of Central Missouri where he studied student affairs. Originally from Layton, Hurst has a long background in higher education because both of his parents worked with college students as well. He is passionate about helping students find the best opportunities available to them, and he knows USU Eastern offers students the best experience out there.
Dart speaks for the entire enrollment department when he says they are all excited to start from scratch. The department used to be under resourced for the amount of growth that the college wished to see. Now they are utilizing technology in a way that will streamline the enrollment process and ensure that no student ever slips under the radar.
From first contact with high school students, their information is entered onto an iPad, instantly saving time and improving accuracy. By staying digitally connected, Dart will be able to pinpoint where potential students are getting lost on their way to attending Eastern.
To increase ease and efficiency for prospective students, online applications will now be available. Eastern will also be the fastest college to begin awarding scholarships to applicants. Another focus for the department is to increase the number of students who visit the campus. Last year about one hundred potential Eagles came to Eagle Experiences. This year Dart’s goal is 700.
The enrollment department has implemented some very ambitious programs, and they are expecting to see drastic improvement in the enrollment at Eastern. All of the new employees, as well as the student ambassadors, have set up the foundation for an impressive year. Dart’s goal is to give Eastern the “wow” factor. From the first contact with a prospective student until the first day of class, Eastern will give students an experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
