Dr. Robert M. Smith is the 15th President of Slippery Rock University. Dr. Smith came to the University in 1999 as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and served as interim President in 2002. He was appointed President in May, 2004. Dr. Smith is a nationally recognized specialist in executive leadership development and the only Kansan to have been selected as a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services fellow. He is a recipient of the Preceptor award from Community Leadership Association and Tennessee's Outstanding Achievement Award for his work in community revitalization. Dr. Smith is the Board Chair of Leadership Pittsburgh, Inc.; past president of the Butler Rotary Club; and a member of the executive committee of Slippery Rock Economic Development, Inc., the Butler County Community Development Corporation, and the Board of Trustees at Butler County Community College . He also holds a Congressional appointment to the Department of Defense's Army ROTC Advisory Committee.
Director of the AACRAO Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Conference, Dr. Bontrager has 25 years of experience in enrollment management at virtually all types of institutions. His areas of expertise include creating successful enrollment management organizations, strategic planning, recruitment and communications, financial aid, and net revenue strategies At Oregon State University, Dr. Bontrager's leadership resulted in a 40% increase in enrollment, including increases in the academic and diversity profile of the student body. He has developed innovative, internationally-recognized enrollment programs including noncognitive admissions assessment and university/community college partnership programs.
Jay W. Goff is the Vice-Provost and Dean of Enrollment Management at Missouri University of Science and Technology. With over 15 years experience in university enrollment, strategic planning and communication programs, Mr. Goff has been active in helping higher education professionals and students develop leadership skills and engage in strategic planning. He has written articles and presented workshops at many regional and national programs, mostly focusing on the values of team building and training, quality student-service systems and data-driven planning. He has worked with over 30 public and private institutions throughout the United States, Turkey, Canada, Mexico, China, Sri Lanka, Oman and Malaysia. Goff's consulting has focused on the use of operational audits and benchmarking data to assist institutions in improving student success and recruitment rates.
Clarinda H. Creighton is Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Services at Park University . She has held various roles since coming to Park University in 1986, formerly serving as Assistant Vice President for Academic Support Services, and as Director of Student Support Services. Her professional experience began in the social work and mental health field, shifting to the higher education arena upon completion of her master's degree. Prior to coming to Park University , Mrs. Creighton held positions in the Student Services area at Saint Mary College (KS) and at Iowa State University . She received her M.S. in Counselor Education/Student Personnel, and her B.A. in Psychology at Emporia State University.
Jose Cruz, Jr. is an educator and 16-year veteran of higher education administration. Mr. Cruz began his career in institutional research and currently serves as Vice President for Information Services and Planning for South Texas College ( STC ) overseeing all planning, research, IT/data management and library services. He holds an MBA from the University of Texas – Pan American.
Held in conjunction with the AACRAO 19th Annual Strategic Enrollment Management Conference SEM XIX November 8-11, 2009
Following the Executive Symposium, attendees are encouraged to take advantage and register for the full SEM Conference, the leading meeting of higher education professionals focused on achieving student, enrollment, and financial success.
For more information and registration for SEM XIX, please visit www.aacrao.org/sem19/ (separate registration is required for SEM XIX).
SEM XIX—November 8-11, 2009 • www.aacrao.org/sem19/