Dearth Selected as New Director of Admissions at EIU
Jul-01-2014
Eastern Illinois University’s search for a new director of admissions has come to an end, with the chosen candidate scheduled to begin the job on Aug. 1.
Chris Dearth, director of admissions at State University of New York at Fredonia, was chosen from among dozens of applicants during a national search.
“Chris understands the enrollment-related challenges all universities are facing. He has a reputation for making sound decisions based on the data, as well as for cultivating positive relationships with members of the university community,” said Mary Herrington-Perry, assistant vice president for academic affairs and enrollment management.
And as Blair Lord, provost and vice president for academic affairs, added, “We know the competition is going to continue to get tougher, and we needed a proven manager to help lead our admissions team.”
Dearth, who has 13 years of experience in admissions and who has been in his current position since 2007, is responsible for leading admissions efforts that saw a 12 percent increase in freshman applications from outside SUNY Fredonia’s primary market (2007-2013). He also enrolled the five largest classes in the 186-year history of the university. Concurrently, selectivity improved each year under his leadership, Dearth said.
Previously, Dearth served as assistant director of admissions at Richard Stockton College of New Jersey in Pomona (2001-2007). Prior to that, he worked as a marketing consultant and as an account manager at an advertising firm.
His education includes a master’s degree in leadership and liberal studies from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, in 2004, and a bachelor’s in business studies from Richard Stockton College in 1997.
He looks forward to beginning work on the EIU campus.
"Eastern Illinois University appealed to me because it is truly a 'student-centered' institution,” Dearth said. “Many universities claim this, but EIU backs it up. Furthermore, EIU has been well positioned to be a top-choice institution for many highly qualified students.
“Spending time on the EIU campus and speaking with faculty, staff, administrators, and past and current students, made me realize that Eastern Illinois University is a special place. My family and I look forward to joining the campus and community of Charleston."
As director of admissions at EIU, Dearth will be responsible for administering all programs and activities associated with the university’s undergraduate admissions program, and for executing and achieving undergraduate admissions goals and objectives.
