Dawn Medley, who grew up in Missouri, was recently named Missouri State University’s vice president for enrollment management.
Medley was hired after a national search. She will begin Aug. 1.
“As a first-generation college student from Willow Springs, I understand the transformative power of higher education and the importance of removing barriers for students,” said Medley, in a July 2 news release. “I look forward to working with the talented team here to develop innovative strategies that will help more students discover and achieve their educational dreams at Missouri State.”
Dawn Medley
Medley has more than 30 years experience in financial aid, recruitment, student success and enrollment management. She will succeed Rob Hornberger, who retired this summer after decades with the university.
Most recently, she was senior vice president of enrollment management at Drexel University in Philadelphia. She was also vice provost for enrollment management and student retention at Stony Brook University, which is in New York, and associate vice president of enrollment management at Wayne State University in Michigan.
Medley created the Warrior Way Back program in 2018, the first program in the nation to forgive student debt and allow students to re-enroll for degree completion.
She also designed the Heart of Detroit scholarship program in 2019, which provides free education to all Detroit high school graduates.
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“Dr. Medley brings exceptional leadership and a proven track record of innovation in enrollment management,” said MSU President Richard “Biff” Williams, in the release.
“Her deep understanding of both the challenges and opportunities in higher education enrollment makes her the ideal leader to help us achieve our ambitious enrollment goals.”
Medley has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri, a master’s degree from Southeast Missouri State University, and a doctorate from Lindenwood University.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Missouri State hires Dawn Medley to oversee enrollment initiatives