Beginning last year, Bradley has conducted a search to fill in the newly formed position of Vice President of Enrollment Management.
Formally known as the Associate Provost for Enrollment Management, the vice president is essentially the chief officer of enrollment. He or she will be in charge of the supervision of running both the undergraduate admissions and the office of financial assistance.
A committee comprised of various faculty and staff members has been formed last fall to carry out the search to find the right person for the job. Alan Galsky, vice president of student affairs, is the chair of the committee.
In addition to the formation of a search committee, the William Spelman Executive search firm will be aiding in finding the ideal person for the position. The university also placed an ad in the Chronicle of Higher Education to attract potential candidates.
The search has been extended to this year, since a person who fits in with the Bradley community wasn’t found last spring.
Extensive interviews were conducted via video. From a number of applicants, five were interviewed and ultimately two candidates were invited to the campus. While both candidates were highly qualified on paper, they were not the type Bradley needed, said Galsky.
At the end of April, the committee and Galsky decided to continue the search into the following semester with a goal to find the right person by June 1, 2010.
As of May, there have been 18 new applicants for the position.
“His or her success is critical for the university,” Galsky said.
Barbara Carraway, interim executive director and a member of the search committee, said one of the main duties of the Vice President of Enrollment Management is to enhance the diversity of the student population and to take Bradley to the next level of student enrollment.
“This person would have to be able to maintain a strong Illinois base, but also be able to have a strong presence in the East and West coast,” Carraway said.
Both Carraway and Galsky are positive in the current search, despite the fact it has been more prolonged than they have originally intended.
“It’s a great job for somebody,” Galsky said. “The campus never looked any better with new buildings and new majors. I am optimistic because we’re one of the few universities that has succeeded in recruitment this year.”
Galsky said he believes the new additions to Bradley will attract more applicants for the position.
“I’m encouraged,” Carraway said. “It is not the case of a sinking ship, we just need someone who can build upon the current status and bring Bradley to the next level.”
Galsky said the position is of high importance to the Bradley community and is a vital part in expanding the success for the university.
“All pieces are in place for the right person,” he said.
