VALPARAISO – The University of Valparaiso has begun a search for a new Vice President of Admissions, Marketing and Communications as it faces growing challenges in recruiting and retaining students.
Brian O'Rourke, the incumbent for that post, will step down in April 2023, the university said.
University spokesman Michael Fenton said Valpo was in the early stages of finding O'Rourke's successor. Fenton also said the university has been discussing opportunities with a small number of outside applicants, mostly from Indiana and Illinois.
"I look forward to filling the position with someone who has a proven track record of administering enrollment at an institution of the size and stature of Valparaiso University," President Jose Padilla said in an emailed statement. “You must have experience recruiting Midwestern talent, be familiar with undergraduate, transfer and graduate admissions, and be able to interpret and apply the latest data analytics to enable enrollment management professionals to work.
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“Our next Vice President will be ready to rise to challenges, seize opportunities and accelerate the momentum we have built in our ongoing recruitment efforts. You will bring creativity and energy to the role and you will give your all to Valpo and the organization. The goals are set out in our new strategic plan.
The University of Valparaiso campus is shown.
The change in leadership comes amid rising enrollment and the closure of several colleges, many of which predate O'Rourke's time on campus, which began but ended in June 2021. continued in recent years.
According to information on the university's website, the University of Valparaiso had 2,964 students at the start of the 2022 fall semester. That was a slight increase from fall 2021, when the university had 2,939 students. But that number has steadily declined since the fall of 2015, when it stood at 4,544.
Valparaiso's retention rate for 2021 returning freshmen was 77.3%, according to university data. This is the lowest since at least 1991, the university's first data.
In addition, Valpo cut several academic programs as a cost-cutting measure, including a secondary education major, a drama major and minor, Chinese, French, Greek, and Romance languages majors and minors. and Law School, The Times. As previously reported. :
Graduates from the University of Valparaiso attended the opening Sunday. President Jose Padilla spoke to students about his time at Valpo.
Faced with these challenges, Padilla introduced a new strategic plan this fall.
That includes increasing enrollment through programs like Access College, which offers a two-year associate degree that officials hope will encourage students to pursue a four-year degree. Added online education section; and recognized as a Hispanic serving institution under the Higher Education Act, a move officials hope will attract Hispanic students.
The plan also envisages revenue growth, which the university hopes to achieve by increasing net tuition income per student by 10% over five years. sale of unnecessary goods; and more aggressive in seeking donations for his foundation.
O'Rourke did not respond to the Times' request for comment on the story.
Gallery: Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
University of Valparaiso President Jose Padilla leads the crowd at the 11th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
A large group of students from the University of Valparaiso took photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus and two elves.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Harre Union's 2020 Christmas decorations weren't seen much last year due to the pandemic, but University of Valparaiso alumni are buying them this year.
The University of Valparaiso Arbor Ceremony underscores the tradition
The Valparaiso University Luce Concert Band and the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band have teamed up to perform eight pieces at the Resurrection Chapel during the Julesfest concert.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Santa and Mrs. Claus and helpers were photographed by Soren Burkholder of San Antonio, Texas. Burkholder's Rudolph gear comes in handy, he said. "Everyone really likes it," he said.
The University of Valparaiso Arbor Ceremony underscores the tradition
Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus enjoy the Julesfest concert at the University of Valparaiso Chapel of the Resurrection. VU's Luce Concert Band and the Valparaiso Community/University Concert Band recorded eight.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Caricaturist Nathan Biancardi, a 2018 graduate of Valparaiso University, drew caricatures of VU employee Nicole Moe and her sons Steven and Nathan.
The University of Valparaiso Arbor Ceremony underscores the tradition
Spectators watch as fireworks light up the sky during a tree lighting ceremony at the University of Valparaiso.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Calla Puffer sits on Santa's lap with siblings William and Katherine and their parents Matthew and Rebecca Puffer, all from Valparaiso, at Valparaiso University's Hare Union.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Kappa Kappa Gamma member Carter Ensley (right) helps 3-year-old Alina decorate her cookies at Valparaiso University.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Joel Stoppenhagen of Ossia, Indiana, performs Christmas carols at the University of Valparaiso Hare Union.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
The President of the University of Valparaiso, Jose Padilla, reacts with joy to the Christmas tree lighting on campus.
The University of Valparaiso Arbor Ceremony underscores the tradition
Members of the Phi Mu Alpha sorority lead the crowd during a tree lighting ceremony at the University of Valparaiso.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Cartoonist Nathan Biancardi draws a quick portrait of the Moy family.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Alina (3) bites into her cookie after getting dressed at Valparaiso University.
Christmas at the University of Valparaiso
Alina (3) scatters her cookies at the University of Valparaiso.
