MVNU names McPherson Director of Recruitment
MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University President Dr. Henry W. Spaulding II, is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt McPherson to the position of Director of Recruitment, effective May 1, 2021.
“As Director of Recruitment, Matt will oversee our outgoing recruitment efforts with primary responsibility for the admissions counselors and student calling program, as well as our admissions marketing and social media efforts,” said Justin Nowicki, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management. “We live in the digital age and we know that our digital efforts are incredibly important. Matt has the insights and drive to immediately impact these strategies for us.”
McPherson (’13) joined MVNU in July 2017 as a senior admissions counselor and has served as the Assistant Director of Recruitment since January 2020, where he was instrumental in the university’s successful transition to virtual recruitment in response to COVID-19.
“Matt has a proven track-record of continuous improvement and innovation. When COVID-19 hit, Matt led the way for our office in pivoting to digital-only recruitment strategies including online events, social media innovations, and virtual visits. MVNU was a leader in the virtual space because of Matt’s hard work and leadership,” said Nowicki. “Additionally, Matt grew up in this region and has served in the field as an admissions counselor. That first-hand knowledge of the job and our core audience is invaluable.”
The newest Director of Recruitment is committed to creating a fluid recruitment process that integrates fresh and innovative techniques to reach potential students on social media platforms where they live with the information they need to realize MVNU is the perfect launch pad for their career and faith.
“MVNU is a special place to me,” said McPherson. “I was shaped and invested in by so many faculty and staff members during my time as a student and as an employee. I’ve seen how Christian higher education can shape the ways in which we seek to serve. The Director of Recruitment position allows for me to share the story of MVNU with prospective students and families while giving back to the community that gave so much to me. I am excited by the challenge and opportunity we have in the shifting landscape of higher education.”
MVNU has found great success in its traditional recruitment efforts such as MVNYou Days, Athletic Recruitment Days, and other enrollment events which will continue. However, McPherson realizes the opportunity of expanding the university’s reach through social media and virtual events.
“Finding and developing new recruitment strategies is something that gives me life and fuels my purpose,” he said. “We’ve seen firsthand how a fun event, or social media post, or interaction can change the trajectory of a student’s college search. MVNU Admissions will be cultivating a data-driven approach to recruitment. Enrollment is about finding our students and connecting with them. This means that we’ll be looking for more ways to connect with students online and through social media.”
For more information on MVNU admissions or to apply, visit mvnu.edu/undergraduate.
Mount Vernon Nazarene University is a private, four-year, intentionally Christian teaching university for traditional age students, graduate students, and working adults. With a 327-acre main campus in Mount Vernon, Ohio, MVNU emphasizes academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service to community and church. MVNU offers an affordable education both in-seat and online to more than 2,100 students from 42 states and nine foreign countries.
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