Roosevelt University Continues A Radical Transformation

John W. Dysart
President
The Dysart Group, Inc.

Mary Hendry, the Vice President for Enrollment at Roosevelt University in Chicago,was featured in an article in this publication one year ago and I have had the pleasure of working with her the last two cycles. With the support of the President, Dr. Charles Middleton, and the Board of Trustees, Mary managed the implementation of a new recruitment model last year that resulted in a 70% increase in new freshmen, a 38% increase in new transfer students and the largest number of full-time undergraduate students in the history of the University. This extraordinary growth was achieved while academic quality improved, ethnic diversity grew and geographic reach expanded.

Mary has never been one to rest on her laurels. She hired a new Associate Vice President for Admission to continue and perfect elements of the new recruitment model this cycle. Beth Gierach came to Roosevelt University after ten straight years of historical record increases in new student enrollments at Saint Xavier University located in the Chicago Suburbs.

• The enrollment team at RU was able to adapt to and specifically address new? market challenges this cycle. The financial award policy was adjusted to meet increased financial need for students during these unfortunate economic times.
• Methods of communication with prospective students were changed to emphasize both affordability and employment outcomes.
• Additional training was provided to front line admission counselors to identify and adequately respond to prospective student objections as a result of the recession and associated impediments to enrollment.

The benefits of new, experienced leadership and a willingness to make sometimes weekly changes in strategies and tactics enabled the team at Roosevelt University to continue the extraordinary growth begun last year. While much was learned then, this year presented a totally new set of obstacles and challenges. Administrative flexibility, sensitivity to economic realities and a focus on personal attention enabled the t4eam at Roosevelt to continue another year of growth.

• Application for admission increased by 33% over the record numbers realized last year during a time when many private schools struggled to even maintain application counts from last year.
• More prospective students visited campus than at any time in the history of the institution.
• The University set another record for the largest number of prospective students ever applying for financial aid. The Financial Aid Office mailed more award letters this year than ever before.
• The University realized another significant increase in the number of residential students. More will reside on campus this cycle than at any other time in history.
• Despite economic challenges, Roosevelt recruited the largest freshman class in history and has secured the most full-time undergraduates ever!

Mary Hendry has plans to continue the unprecedented growth at Roosevelt University. Dr. Charles Middleton and the Board of Trustees recently approved the introduction of athletic programs. Play will begin in Fall 2011!