Episode 10—Building Institutional Buy-In

Enrollment Edge by enrollmentFUEL

Enrollment Managers have to be skilled in so many areas—data analysis, technology, marketing strategy, staff development, and predicting the future. One skillset that is often overlooked, but is so important to an enrollment manager's success is the ability to Build Institutional Buy-In. We'll talk with Dr. Chris Romano, an enrollment veteran of 14 years about how he builds buy-in with constituent groups on and off campus, the most and least important metrics to present to those groups, and how to educate the campus constituent groups in order to build and maintain a strong understanding of enrollment at a college.
About Our Guest
Dr. Christopher Romano, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, joined Ramapo College in 2007. His portfolio includes leadership of the College’s Strategic Enrollment Management Plan and the recruitment and retention initiatives therein. Dr. Romano oversees College Admissions, the Center for Student Success (which is inclusive of career and academic advisement, first-year experience, the Educational Opportunity Fund, the Center for Reading and Writing and placement testing), marketing and communications, Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation, degree completion, specialized services, financial aid, student activities, student conduct, health and counseling services, public safety, and residence life operations. Prior to serving as Vice President, Dr. Romano enjoyed roles with Ramapo as Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and as Special Assistant to the College President. Dr. Romano’s research has focused on strategic enrollment management, the College presidency, and executive leadership. He has presented nationally on strategic enrollment management, student engagement, marketing/branding in the context of enrollment management, and developing institutional models for student success as well as presenting to both new and advanced chiefs of staff on the role within the context of higher education and leadership development. He earned his Ed.D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Creighton University, his Ed.M. in Higher Education Administration from Harvard University and his B.A. in International Relations from Saint Joseph’s University. Dr. Romano’s high energy level is routinely noted by his colleagues– to this end, he is no longer permitted to consume caffeinated beverages during the work day.