Robert Garcia Named Director of Admissions
Maintaining Alma College’s positive enrollment momentum is the primary goal for Robert Garcia, who starts Jan. 18 as the new director of admissions.
Garcia comes to Alma after serving as an admissions administrator at Central Michigan University since 2004, most recently as senior assistant director of admissions. He replaces Evan Montague, who recently was named dean of students at Lansing Community College.
Robert Garcia
“It’s a sincere honor to be the director of admissions at Alma College,” says Garcia. “Alma is a great institution that has meant a lot to the community of Alma, the mid-Michigan area, the state of Michigan and the thousands of alumni that have studied there.
“The biggest attractions for me were the people and the unique academic experiences that set Alma apart from other institutions. It’s a place that I can believe in — a place that delivers a high quality student experience,” he says.
His initial goals are to integrate himself into the Alma community while working to ensure the College sustains recent enrollment momentum that has resulted in three consecutive years of admissions growth.
“Most of the recruitment challenges are the same challenges being felt by all institutions in Michigan and around the country — the economy as a perceived barrier to a college education and a shrinking high school graduate cohort,” says Garcia. “We need to continue to do a great job communicating about the value and opportunities of an Alma College education as well as financial aid options. With the shrinking number of high schools graduates, we need to think creatively to make sure we don’t fall behind.”
Garcia will oversee a 17-member admissions staff at Alma.
“Bob brings a combination of higher education admissions experience with a lot of energy and enthusiasm,” says Karen Klumpp, vice president for enrollment. “He will relate very well not only with the Alma College community but with prospective students and their families. He’s ready to learn about and share new ideas for recruitment.
“He will work side-by-side with our admissions representatives and financial aid staff, plus collaborate with faculty, coaches, staff, alumni and other groups, to build on the positive enrollment growth the College has experienced the last few years,” says Klumpp.
Fall 2009 enrollment reached 1,444 students, representing the second highest number of students in Alma’s 123-year history. For the first time in its history, the College has enrolled more than 400 new students for three consecutive years.
Prior to joining the CMU admissions staff, Garcia was a producer, writer, editor and photojournalist for WWTV-WWUP-TV in Cadillac. He has a bachelor’s degree in broadcasting with a minor in general business administration.
Posted: Mon, January 11th, 2010 at 2:34PM
