Southwestern University Names Ray Brown as Interim Vice President for Strategic Recruitment and Enrollment

Southwestern University’s Strategic Recruitment Vision

When a university appoints an interim vice president for strategic recruitment and enrollment, it signals a commitment to strengthen the pipeline of high‑quality applicants and to align admissions efforts with institutional goals. Southwestern University’s recent hire, Ray Brown, brings more than 40 years of enrollment expertise, including leading the admission and financial‑aid offices at diverse institutions. His arrival offers lessons for admissions leaders, recruiters, and prospective students alike.

Key Competencies Ray Brown Brings to Southwestern

Data‑Driven Enrollment Planning

Brown’s history of using analytics to shape recruitment strategies is evident in his work at Pomona College, Texas Christian University, and Marquette University. By correlating demographic trends, pipeline metrics, and yield data, he redesigned application processes that increased both applicant numbers and selectivity. Admissions teams can adopt similar dashboards, setting clear quarterly targets and reacting swiftly to market changes.

Process Improvement and Team Development

At each institution, Brown prioritized staff training and streamlined workflows. He implemented standardized communication protocols that reduced turnaround times for admissions decisions and improved student‑experience satisfaction scores. For recruiters, investment in continuous learning and efficient technology stacks translates into faster, more accurate outreach.

Financial Aid Integration

Integrating financial aid policy with recruitment is essential for the modern student. Brown’s tenure at Pomona saw the alignment of aid offers with admission criteria, resulting in higher conversion rates. Current admissions managers should consider joint planning sessions with finance teams to create holistic application journeys that reduce friction at the scholarship‑application stage.

How Southwestern Is Adapting Its Structure

The university is also realigning its Athletics Department under Vice President Marie Muhvic. This move encourages a cross‑functional approach where student‑athlete recruitment is coordinated with academic and financial services, mirroring the integrated model Ray Brown champions. Prospective student‑athletes will benefit from a single point of contact for academic advising, aid, and recruiting questions.

Practical Takeaways for Marketing and Communications Teams

Align Messaging with Institutional Value

Marketing efforts should explicitly reflect the university’s academic strengths and community impact. Highlighting Ray Brown’s focus on student access and mission alignment can help target families that value personal support throughout the admissions process.

Leverage Digital Platforms Strategically

The shift toward virtual recruitment—highlighted by the university’s national search announcement—means that social media, email campaigns, and virtual tours must be data‑driven. Use engagement metrics to track which content resonates with each demographic segment.

Facilitate Differentiated Outreach

Brown’s experience in multiple regions suggests a need for contextualized outreach. Departments can develop region‑specific webinars that address local concerns, such as financial aid packages or campus safety, further differentiating Southwestern in a competitive market.

Action Steps for Prospective Students and Families

1. Review the Visit Portal: Plan a campus tour through the visit page to experience first‑hand the faculty and facilities that define Southwestern’s academic culture.

2. Explore Financial Aid Options: Use the financial‑aid calculator to estimate eligibility for scholarships and work‑study programs before applying.

3. Request a Virtual Information Session: Contact admissions via [email protected] to schedule a personal webinar that addresses your unique questions.

4. Connect with Current Students: Browse the student‑life portal to meet peers and learn about campus culture, ensuring a clear fit with your goals.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Enrollment at Southwestern

With Ray Brown steering enrollment strategy and a national search underway for a permanent vice president, Southwestern University is poised for sustained growth. The new leadership model emphasizes collaboration, data integration, and student‑centric processes—all of which position the university as a leading choice for students seeking personalized support and academic excellence.

Admissions and enrollment professionals should adopt Brown’s best practices—data‑driven planning, process efficiency, and integrated financial aid—to strengthen their own pipelines. Prospective students and families, meanwhile, can expect a transparent, responsive, and mission‑aligned application experience.

Next Steps for Your Journey

Incorporate the strategies outlined above into your recruitment or application plans. Use the tools and contacts provided to enhance communication, streamline decisions, and ensure a smooth transition from inquiry to enrollment.

Apply to Southwestern University today and join a community that values both tradition and innovation.

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