Stephen R. Merritt, age 59, of Media, PA, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, while recovering from a long illness.
Steve received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Villanova University. He returned to Villanova in 1990, as Director of Undergraduate Admission before assuming the role of Dean of Enrollment Management, a position he held for 17 years. Steve was committed to the University and its mission and willingly gave of his time and expertise. Steve was an active member in many professional organizations including AACRAO and attended and presented at early SEM conferences.
Steve served as Dean of Enrollment Management since 1998. Under his leadership as Dean, financial assistance and student scholarship opportunities were expanded significantly, and the services provided through the Office of the Registrar were dramatically upgraded and improved. During Steve’s tenure, Villanova also saw an increase in the talent and diversity of the undergraduate student community, which has helped to raise the national profile of the University. His legacy and impact on Villanova can be seen in the accomplishments of students from the Class of 1994, his first cohort as Director of Admission, through the incoming Class of 2020.
Steve’s positive influence on the University extended well beyond the area of Enrollment Management. He worked with Student Life and University Advancement to establish the Parents’ Program at Villanova; served as Special Assistant for University Communication to Father Dobbin and me, and developed a roadmap for creating the Office of University Communication; and was an integral member of the Strategic Plan Steering Committee.
As an alumnus, employee and Villanova parent, Steve was committed to the University and its mission and willingly gave of his time and expertise. Steve enjoyed traveling, cooking and playing his guitar. He was an avid Philadelphia Sports fan as well as a supporter of Villanova Sports. Steve appreciated the outdoors and spending time sitting on his deck. Most of all, Steve was devoted to his family and friends.