Garcia Named Vice President for Enrollment
With an anticipated record incoming class arriving this fall and a strategic plan that calls for significant enrollment growth in the coming years, Alma College President Jeff Abernathy has promoted Bob Garcia to vice president for enrollment effective Aug. 15.
Garcia, director of admissions, replaces Karen Klumpp, who moves into a new role as associate vice president of academic affairs and director of the Center for Student Opportunity.
Bob Garcia
“The Admissions Office has experienced amazing success in recent years,” says Abernathy. “As Karen takes on an important new position that focuses on retention and student opportunities, I have asked Bob to step into the permanent role of vice president.
“Since his arrival as director in 2010, Bob has demonstrated his commitment to Alma College and its strategic goals and his ability to achieve excellent recruiting outcomes,” says Abernathy. “He is the right person to lead the college’s enrollment efforts.”
Alma College has enrolled four of the five largest classes in Alma College history over the last five years. Last year’s enrollment of 1,417 students included a 6.5 percent increase in new students from the year before. While official enrollment numbers aren’t finalized until mid-September, the Alma campus is preparing for a record fall 2012 incoming class.
“It’s an honor to take on this role at a time Alma College is experiencing such great momentum that is reflected in new programs, improved facilities and exceptional student opportunities,” says Garcia.
“You can never stand still in admissions,” he says. “Every day, we work to find the next best strategy to communicate the value of an Alma education to prospective students. We will continue to evaluate the ways we reach students, whether it is students in our region, nationally or around the world. While Michigan students will continue to be a primary focus, enrollment growth more likely will come from out-of-state and international markets.”
A national search for a director of admissions will begin this fall. During the upcoming year, the director’s job responsibilities will be distributed between Garcia and other staff members.
“Bob has been a critical part of enrollment initiatives over the past two years,” says Klumpp. “He has deepened the collaborative efforts with the campus. As a former coach, he recognizes the importance of Athletics and the coaches to the admissions process. And he has worked closely with faculty, making presentations on ways faculty can connect with prospective students.”
Garcia came to Alma after serving as an admissions administrator, including senior assistant director of admissions, at Central Michigan University from 2004 until 2010. Prior to joining the CMU admissions staff, Garcia was the video coordinator for the CMU’s men’s basketball program, following a stint as 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.
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Posted: Fri, August 3rd, 2012 at 10:21AM
