Name:
Jonathan D. Wexler
Position: Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management
Institution/Organization:
Fairleigh Dickinson University
In a nutshell, what is your current role?
I oversee the offices of Admissions and Financial Aid for our two campuses (Metropolitan Campus- Teaneck, NJ and The College at Florham, Madison, NJ)
How and why did you become involved in this (higher education/enrollment management) profession?
I started out working as an assistant basketball coach at Goucher College and got involved in working with admission office. I began to work with the Vice President for Enrollment Management and became interested in working in admissions.
What sustains you professionally?
There is nothing like working at a university! It’s rewarding to play a key role in helping students and parents help select the college/university that is right for them. Also being part of the administration that is growing a university both in size and academic quality allows one to have purpose in working within the profession.
What is the most interesting policy initiative or research project with which you have been involved? Why?
When I was at Drexel University I was part of a team that created the One-Year MBA program. It is a really unique opportunity to be at the ground floor in creation of a new program.
From an enrollment perspective, what can we improve within our profession?
In one word, mentoring. In the profession we need to do a better job of mentoring young employees when they enter the profession of higher education. In addition, within the graduate programs at universities there needs to be more courses on enrollment management. At most universities the success of this office is what makes or breaks an institution but we don’t teach this sufficiently in the classroom.
What is the most interesting place you have visited?
I recently visited Paris, France and enjoyed everything about it!
Where would you still most like to visit that you haven’t already?
Cairo, Egypt
What is your favorite movie?
A Few Good Men
What is the last book you have read?
Street Fighter- The Last 72 Hours at Bear Stearns
You get to meet any historical figure. Who do you choose and why?
Richard Nixon. I would be very curious how he would deal with all the international problems that are currently facing the Unites States of America.
What song can’t you get out of your head right now?
Thriller
What is the ideal way to spend a Saturday night?
Box seats on the first base side at any major league baseball game
Coke or Pepsi?
Pepsi
Do you have a message you would like to share with your colleagues?
During these tough economic times we all need to keep the faith!