Missouri State University has named Dr. Dawn Medley as its first vice president for enrollment management, following a national search. Medley will begin Aug. 1.
Medley has more than 30 years of experience in financial aid, recruitment, student success and enrollment management. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of enrollment management at Drexel University. She previously served as vice provost for enrollment management and student retention at Stony Brook University and associate vice president of enrollment management at Wayne State University.
“Dr. Medley brings exceptional leadership and a proven track record of innovation in enrollment management,” said President Richard B. Williams. “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 will provide leadership and oversight to enrollment management and services for Missouri State, including undergraduate admissions, transfer student recruitment, financial aid, adult student services and dual credit programs.
“I’m thrilled to join Missouri State University and lead this critical new initiative in enrollment management,” Medley said.
“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. 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.”
Medley holds a Bachelor of Science in Education in Secondary English Education from the University of Missouri, a Master of Science in Administration from Southeast Missouri State University and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Lindenwood University.
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.