Vice President Enrollment Management

Job Competency:

The University of Hartford seeks nominations and applications for the role of Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM). A four-year, private, residential, comprehensive university with seven dynamic schools and colleges, the University of Hartford (UHart) is defining and pursuing an ambitious vision for its future under the leadership of President Lawrence P. Ward, who began his tenure as President in July 2024.

Founded in 1957, UHart has been guiding the purpose and passion of students for more than six decades. During that time, UHart has established a reputation for its dynamic integration of liberal arts education with specialized and professional studies, as well as its high standards of scholarly and creative excellence. The University offers a diverse array of outstanding academic programs including business, engineering, education, technology, arts and sciences, health professions, and visual and performing arts.

Its 350-acre campus alongside Connecticut’s capital city is home to approximately 4,200 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students, representing 47 states and 55 countries. Today, UHart is recognized for excellence across multiple disciplines, innovation, and a relentless focus on student success.

Elevated by a student-focused faculty, professional mentors, and a dynamic student body, UHart is a diverse community that is compelled to ask questions, champion solutions, and ceaselessly create. The University is committed to educating students as global citizens, amplifying their potential and talent through intentional career preparation and deep living and learning experiences. President Ward has challenged the community to reimagine what excellence looks like – turning things on their side and looking for fresh opportunities and perspectives.

The campus is boldly embracing new thinking and exciting possibilities for the future.

In recent years, UHart has invested in its future by launching many new and in-demand academic programs, including nursing, aerospace engineering, business analytics, robotics, occupational therapy (master’s), computer science (master’s), sports management, animation and game art, and digital media and journalism. There are increased online offerings and newly created ventures in corporate programming, professional certificates, and combined or accelerated degree programs.

Campus investments include a Center for Student Success, renovated Village Apartments, and the Hursey Center for Advanced Engineering and Health Professions – a technology-rich 60,000 square foot academic building. The University has officially transitioned its athletics program to NCAA Division III, which has resulted in student-athlete enrollment increases. New teams in tennis and field hockey are launching this fall.

The University seeks a VPEM who extends the passion and innovative spirit fueling UHart’s trajectory into a dynamic plan for enrollment management. In fall 2024, UHart surpassed 6,000 total enrolled students, which represents its largest enrollment since fall 2020. Buoyed by the dedicated faculty and staff, campus investments, and in-demand academic programs, the University’s recent success has been achieved through hard work on the admission front, as well as the University’s increased focus on student retention and success.

Reporting to President Ward and serving on the executive leadership team, the VPEM will advance a comprehensive enrollment approach and provide leadership for undergraduate admission (first year and transfer), graduate admission, international admission, and student financial assistance.

The ideal candidate for the Vice President for Enrollment Management will be an exceptional communicator and collaborator, capable of extending the vision for enrollment management across the entire University. This individual will work closely with UHart’s seven schools and colleges, recognizing and addressing the distinct needs of each diverse academic unit. Adaptability in strategies and priorities based on these needs is crucial.

The VPEM will embody UHart’s values of inclusive excellence, with a proven track record…