Enrollment, Access, and the Next-Generation University

In today's episode, we sit down with PennWest’s new Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management to explore how enrollment is evolving – and why it’s about so much more than numbers. Two members of PennWest’s administration also join to discuss how enrollment management impacts the entire college experience.We’ll dive into what enrollment really means today – access, equity, student success and completion – and how expanding pathways through dual enrollment, transfer partnerships and pipelines in nursing and education have led and will lead to outstanding outcomes.Today’s guests include:Darren Wagner joins PennWest as Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management, bringing 20+ years of experience in higher education and the private sector. At Rowan University, he drove record enrollment and global partnerships through bold, data-driven strategies.Dr. Jim Fisher serves as PennWest’s Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. With over 20 years as a professor of politics and legal studies at Edinboro, he’s held leadership roles including department chair, associate provost, and interim dean.Dr. Susanne Fenske serves as PennWest’s Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness and Student Affairs. She leads efforts in assessment, accreditation, compliance, and retention while fostering exceptional student experiences. As chief student affairs officer, she oversees housing, wellness, career services, and campus life.