2017 SEM-EP Graduate
Dr. Studebaker is currently serving as the Director of Student Engagement and Safety Coordination for the Idaho State Department of Education. This role manages the Idaho Advanced Opportunities Program, Idaho GEAR-UP, Idaho 21st Century Community Learning Centers, 504 Support, Idaho Public Driver Education, Youth Suicide Prevention, Safe and Drug Free Schools, School Bullying Prevention, and College/Career Advising. Dr. Studebaker is a member of the Idaho Council on Suicide Prevention, the Board of the Idaho Office of School Safety and Security, the Idaho Criminal Justice Commission, the Governor’s Taskforce on Opioid and Drug Abuse Prevention, and the Idaho Post-Secondary Council of Academic Affairs and Programs. He is also an adjunct faculty and dissertation chair in the Ed Leadership program at Northwest Nazarene University.
Capstone Project - "A Comprehensive Strategic Enrollment Management Plan" examined internal and external environmental factors and developed a multi-year, inter-departmental work plan to leverage institutional resources in support of student enrollment success at a community college in the Northwest.
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Dr. Toni Woolfork-Barnes currently serves as Director of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Western Michigan University. Steeped in higher education experience, Dr. Barnes has worked for Western Michigan University for most of her career. She has been the Director of the federally funded Upward Bound Trio Program; Director of the King-Chavez-Parks Program; Research Associate for Science and Mathematics Program Improvement; an evaluation consultant; grant writer, and an adjunct instructor.
Capstone Project - “Seven-Year (2007-2013) Retention Study on Students Enrolled in Thematic and Non-Thematic First-Year Experience Seminar Courses” For more than 30 years, John Gardner has elevated the discussion about the importance of student success in the first-year of college, with a heightened emphasis on first-year seminar courses and their value. Many colleges and universities offer some version of a first-year experience seminar, which is true for the Midwestern MAC School discussed in this research study. The purpose of this seven-year retention was to assess impact first-year seminar had on retention rates for students enrolled in thematic and non-thematic sections; to assess student leader post-perceptions about the course; and to examine the extent to which first-year students’ perceptions changed over a seven-year period.
Overall, findings are positive and encouraging based on analysis of the data. Specifically, findings illustrate that the first-year seminar course has positively impacted student retention for both groups of students in the study, but more significantly for students enrolled in the thematic sections of the course. Additionally, the researcher’s findings also indicated that student leaders have positive post-perceptions about the course, and lastly, the First-Year Initiative survey findings show that over a seven-year period, students’ perceptions about the course have improved.
Over 30 years of higher education experience in Admissions and Registrar's areas at private and large public four-year institutions. Leadership in process improvement, streamlining student services, and building collaboration with faculty and information technology to facilitate enrollment and graduation. Experience in policy assessment, expanding advisement tools, and Quarter-to-Semester Calendar Conversion. Holds a Ph.D. in Education. As a scholar-practitioner, infuses cultural responsiveness in enrollment services.
Capstone Project - “Class Wait-listing: A Strategy for Managing Course Demand” examined class wait-list numbers after two separate time periods--General Registration and Add/Drop Periods. This project also gathered information on students’ behavior concerning wait-listing and assessed delayed paths to graduation. Findings from this study resulted in a set of recommendations for changes in the University’s wait-listing policy and processes, including the integration of the review of wait-list numbers in enrollment planning.
Michael McManus has 10 years of higher education experience, including academic advising, instruction, new student orientation, and enrollment management experiences. Michael graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a B.A. – Political Science and minor in Psychology, and earned his Master of Arts in Teaching - Secondary Education Social Studies from Rhode Island College.
Capstone Project - “Evaluating the Impact Proactive Full-time Registration has on Student Retention.” This research project sought to determine if proactively enrolling a specific population of students full-time in their first semester of courses would result in student success when compared to prior year data. Student success is defined as an increase in enrollment, persistence, and retention. Research done in collaboration with fellow Registered Enrollment Professional Darcy Briggs.
Over 18 years progressively responsible experience in higher education, with a breadth of experience in Student Affairs at two-year, four-year, public, and private institutions. Areas of responsibility have included admissions, recruiting, records / registration, graduation, prior learning assessment, First Year Experience program, academic advising, institutional research, assessment, financial aid, and curriculum and program development.
Expertise: Admissions, Enrollment Management, Registrar, Records and Registration, Process Improvement, and Leadership.
Capstone Project - “Evaluating the Impact Proactive Full-time Registration has on Student Retention.” This research project sought to determine if proactively enrolling a specific population of students full-time in their first semester of courses would result in student success when compared to prior year data. Student success is defined as an increase in enrollment, persistence, and retention.
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Eleven-plus years of higher education financial aid experience across varying levels, which has included system policy development, legislative and regulatory analysis, system and campus financial aid administration, strategic planning, budgeting, enrollment management, institutional research, and state government relations.
Capstone Project - “Connecticut Community College Strategic Enrollment Management Master Plan” was written as a pilot plan to bring strategic enrollment management to the twelve community colleges that reside within the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system. The contents of the plan seek to develop a new culture based around SEM, with leadership provided at the system level, which is designed to work with system colleges in advancing enrollment, retention, persistence, and progress goals.
SEM-EP Poster Session
McDowell is the author of AACRAO's Basic Guide to Financial Aid book, released in 2022, and Financial Aid Eligibility: Fundamental Concepts for College Administrators, Your Piece of Financial Aid Compliance, and Financial Aid's Role in Strategic Enrollment Management.
Other work:
Review of: On the Basis of Race: How Higher Education Navigates Affirmative Action Policies
Jennifer McClure currently serves as the University Registrar at Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois. Her 30 years of diverse higher education experience span two-year and four-year institutions in public, for-profit, and non-profit sectors. As a result, she offers comprehensive leadership experience in registrar services, enrollment management, student success, branding, administrative policy, collective bargaining, government relations, and accreditation.
Dr. McClure is a collaborator and creative problem solver. She is a results-driven professional with experience in leading complex project teams, relationship management, change management, driving initiatives and achieving outstanding results. Her proven track record of success includes developing and implementing innovative strategies to drive growth, improve customer service, and increase efficiency.
Dr. McClure is at her best when she is collaborating to build high functioning teams. Known for connecting ideas, facilitating difficult conversations, and driving resolution, she shows up with energy and expects to positively impact whatever comes her way. She cultivates belonging using a growth mindset and connects people to information and resources so that they can achieve their goals. Her signature strengths are Maximizer, Relator, Arranger, Individualization, and Strategic.
Dr. McClure earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education from Loyola University Chicago, a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and a Master of Science in Higher Education from the University of Kansas.
"The Impact of Advisor Outreach on Priority Registration" - College & University Vol. 92, No. 3, Fall 2017
Review of: 14 Rules for Admissions Screening in Higher Ed: An Antidote to Bias
Review of: Higher Education on the Brink: Reimagining Strategic Enrollment Management in Colleges and Universities
2016 SEM-EP Graduate
Timothy Rees, Ed.D., is Vice President for Enrollment Management at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, MA, a SEM-EP graduate (2016), and a program evaluator with SEM-EP (2017-2021). Previously, he served as dean of enrollment management at Erskine College in Due West, SC.
11 Years of Higher Education Experience in Admissions and Enrollment Management at a Private Institution with an residential enrollment in excess of 12,000 students
Expertise in Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Leadership, Admissions, and Project Management
Capstone Project - "A New Student Study Regarding Effective Telephony Methods of Outreach to Formerly Non-matriculated Applicants" explored the efficacy of telephone enrollment campaigns to applicants who did not matriculate
Review of: SEM as a Connector: Principles of Practice
12 Years of Higher Education Experience in academic planning and enrollment management at a public institution with enrollment in excess of 12,000 students
Expertise in Accreditation, Admissions, Assessment, Enrollment Management, Integrated Services, and Records and Registration
Currently serving as Director for Student One Stop, leading an integrated student service responsible for records, registration, financial aid, and bursar functions
Capstone Project - "Using SEM as a Visionary Plan of Action" explores the transformational ways to address financial and enrollment challenges at public and private institutions while accounting for balance between the institutional mission and student needs.
Over 20 years in higher education with experience in public two-year and private four-year institutions. Diverse leadership experience in admissions, leading all aspects of the marketing function, establishing marketing and digital strategies, brand development and management, institutional website redesign, assessment, and creating high performing teams. Expertise in Admissions and Enrollment Management, Marketing Strategy, Leadership, Holistic and Systemic Thinking, Collaborative Decision Making, Team Building and Development
Capstone Project - "Elgin Community College Career and Technical Education Mini Enrollment Campaign Fall 2016" was a pilot opportunity to create a targeted and intentional marketing campaign using Perkins grant funding to impact fall 2016 enrollment in career and technical education programs. A total of six newly enrolled students can be directly connected to campaign analytics; however, there was also a 26% increase in new applications and a 13% increase in new student CTE enrollment for fall 2016.
2015 SEM-EP Inaugural Graduate
13 Years of Higher Education Experience in Academic and Enrollment Management at a Public Institution with an enrollment in excess of 10,000 students. Expertise in Records and Registration, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Leadership, and Research.
Capstone Project - "Enrollment Management Data" explored key data points associated with informing enrollment decisions on college campuses.
Diverse experience in the realm of international higher education, including the development of international student marketing and recruitment strategies, admissions policy and processes, scholarship strategies, statistical analyses, database design, and enrollment management. Past experience in ESL programs and study abroad programs.
Capstone Project - "In-Country Recruitment Activities Effect on Enrollment" study found that when recruitment staff were able to connect with prospective students in their country, the University saw a growing return on investment. In comparison with non-connected students (over the same 12 countries), the connected group showed growth in new intake over three successive years, as well as higher yield rates, first-year success rates, first-year GPAs, and the same or higher entry GPAs.
"Measuring the Effect of In-Country Recruitment Activities on Future International Enrollment at a Large Canadian University" -John G. Soltice, Strategic Enrollment Management Quarterly, Volume 4, Number 2, 2016.
Review of: Strategic Enrollment Planning: A Dynamic Collaboration
Past Higher Education experience as State Auditor of Higher Ed Institutions and Financial Aid Director.
Currently serving as Vice President for Enrollment and Student Support Services, leading a team responsible for recruiting, enrolling advising, retaining and providing funding for new and continuing students. In addition, her team provides student services at off campus centers and student activities and career development opportunities at the main campus.
Capstone Project -"Athens State University Communication Study of Retention Outreach Methods" piloted a study of email messaging strategies for stop out students at Athens State University. Study achieved an 11% return to degree work.
Experience in higher education as faculty and program chairperson with duties including curriculum and program development for student success. Currently serving as campus administrator with duties including program development, community partnerships, facility management, and enrollment management.
Capstone Project - "A Campus Role for Retention" examined the current trends related to retention on community college campuses, with a specific focus on first-generation students in the south Texas region.
2014 SEM-EP Inaugural Graduate
13 Years of Higher Education Experience in Admissions and Enrollment Management at a Private Institution with an enrollment in excess of 15,000 students, offering over 70 Bachelor's and 18 Associate's degrees. Expertise in Admissions, Enrollment Management, Student Affairs, Leadership, and Research.
Capstone Project - "Pathway Matriculation Rates at Brigham Young University -Idaho" tracked the matriculation rates of students who were engaged in non-degree online programs in Idaho.
Helen Gonzalez serves as a Senior Applications Business Analyst for the Division of Academic and Career Success. She works closely with the Associate Provost and various units across campus in helping to coordinate technology efforts to help achieve student success at Florida International University (FIU). She has over 20 years of experience working in Information Technology and digital media. Helen has been a state, regional and national conference presenter for conferences such as National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), HEUG Alliance and Florida Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (FACRAO) on multiple occasions. She is a graduate of the inaugural Presidential Leadership Program cohort and the Educational Leadership Enhancement Program (ELEP) 2017-2018 cohort. Helen has also served as the Chair for the Florida Academic Advising Association (FLACADA) as well as the Director of FACRAO’s Institute of Strategic Enrollment Management (FISEM), and is currently serving as FACRAO’s Director of Technology.
Edward F. Trombley III is Registrar at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide. With more than 25 years of experience in education, he has also served as Senior Operations Manager, Registrar’s Office at Walden University; Registrar at DeVry University in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. metro regions; and Dean of Administration at Bryant & Stratton College in central New York. He currently serves as President for the Florida Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (FACRAO), as Vice President for Topics in Higher Education for the Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (SACRAO), and has previously served as a program committee member for AACRAO.
Dr. Steven Taylor is the Founder and CEO of Ed2Work and a member of the Transfer Task Force for the American Council on Education.
Deana Williams is a graduate of Baylor University and has worked as the Assistant Director and Residency Office at the Graduate and International Admissions Center of the University of Texas at Austin. She collaborates with AACRAO's International Publications Advisory Committee (IPAC) and has participated in numerous workshop and conference presentations for organizations including AACRAO, SACRAO, TACRAO, NAFSA, College Board, NACAC, and the Texas Bar Association.