New Student Enrollments Surge at Malone University

John W. Dysart
President
The Dysart Group, Inc.

Dr. Gary Streit sought to make a difference when he recently began his Presidency at Malone University in Canton, Ohio. He took on an institution with a distinct mission, an excellent location, broad and high quality academic programs and a long history of educating students in a Christian tradition. He tapped an experienced administrator from his previous institution, Brock Schroeder, to oversee a change in recruitment and financial aid and secured the counsel of The Dysart Group, Inc. to assist with the research and analysis necessary to propose and implement a new approach to enrollment management. Historic economic challenges did not dissuade his determination to grow the enrollment while improving academic quality and support from the Board provided the backing and resources to significantly change the market position of the University.

Change is never easy, and the implementation of a new model at Malone was no exception. Institutional administrators were asked to re-thing virtually every aspect of the previous plan. New investments were necessary to shore up communication and delivery of services. Immediate changes included:

• Brand new parameters for the awarding of scholarships and grants based upon entering academic credentials.
• Streamlining of the admission and financial aid processes to eliminate unnecessary steps and duplication in order to facilitate ease of application.
• Enhanced communication mechanisms to take advantage of new technologies.
• Data-driven reporting to specifically measure weekly productivity and outcomes.
• Earlier notification of financial aid eligibility to address cost concerns during unpredictable economic times.
• New emphasis on a distinctly Christian mission along with a clear explanation of service opportunities on campus and within the local community.

While the actual implementation of the new model did not begin until January of 2009, the results are outstanding:

• Malone University experienced a 34% increase in admission applications.
• New student enrollments grew by 27% despite economic barriers and financial uncertainty.
• Academic quality improved as new students eligible for the Honors Program grew by 38%.
• Malone enrolled the largest number of new, full-time undergraduates in history.
• Total full-time enrollment reached the highest level ever in Fall 2009.
• The University enrolled the largest number of residential students in history.

Dr. Streit will not be satisfied with this year’s success. Plans have been finalized to continue the enrollment growth while improving academic quality and meeting the needs of students and families seeking an excellent educational experience in a Christian environment.