With USI’s enrollment numbers lower than they’ve been in 13 years, candidates for the new Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM) at USI have no simple task ahead of them.

Enrollment numbers dropped again this year, falling below 10,000 for the second year in a row. The university credited the decreasing number to higher admissions standards and a higher graduation rate.

The job of the new VPEM is to increase the quality as well as the quantity of new students.

“USI’s student profile is becoming stronger each year,” said Provost Ron Rochon. “Having this colleague join the team is going to bode well for the future.” 

Last year,  USI hired Noel Levitz, a consulting firm, to help figure out where the university could improve its recruitment and retention. The firm suggested adding the VP position.

On Monday, the second of five candidates visited campus to present what they could offer the university in the position.

Rochon said the Q&A sessions for the candidates are being held so the campus has an opportunity to fully understand the candidates and provide input.

“Campus and community input is extremely important to the process,” Rochon said.

Candidate Michael Gunn said the key to increasing the university’s enrollment is diversification.

He said he hopes with higher graduation rates and higher standards, prospective students outside the region will begin turning their eyes to USI.

Gunn has held a variety of jobs, including positions in academia, business and the military. His broad resume is why he feels he’s the most qualified candidate to increase enrollment. He said it’s not just important to accept students from Vanderburgh and surrounding counties, but to admit students from around the globe.

“What students don’t learn in the classroom, they learn from each other,” Gunn said. “This is why diversity is key to USI, so that it can bring in different forms of thought.”

If such variety can be achieved, Gunn said he expects to see the enrollment numbers rise in the next few years.

Gunn said it’s vital to uncover the reason why students are unsuccessful in college. Ideally, the newly elected VPEM would not only be able to help draw in students from new areas, but also help solve current students’ problems as well.

Rochon said a new candidate should be chosen and in the position sometime next semester.