March 26, 2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dear Faculty and Staff,\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am writing to share several important updates regarding our admissions work for the coming academic year, with a particular focus on strengthening our approach to graduate enrollment at a challenging and consequential moment for higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As many of you know, institutions across the country are navigating shifting dynamics in graduate education, including the enrollment impact of a significant decline in the number of international students who are either permitted to travel to the United States or feel comfortable doing so. Clark certainly has been impacted by this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is therefore essential that we adapt and realign our leadership, strategy, and operations within this rapidly changing and increasingly competitive landscape. To that end, I am pleased to announce that, effective June 1, 2026, I am promoting Lukman Arsalan from Dean of Undergraduate Admissions and Financial Assistance to Vice President of University Enrollment. In this expanded role, Lukman will continue to report to me and will assume leadership responsibility for both undergraduate and graduate admissions, bringing a more integrated and strategic approach to enrollment across the University. He will also continue to be responsible for the Office of Financial Assistance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I am also grateful that Rebecca Eckstein, who began working with Clark alongside Lukman last July in support of undergraduate admissions and financial aid, will continue with us for another year. Rebecca will broaden her focus to include both undergraduate and graduate admissions, providing valuable continuity, expertise, and capacity during this important period of transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Within the graduate affairs team, Amy Daly Gardner will assume greater responsibility as Senior Director of Graduate Admissions and will report to Lukman. I am confident that Amy\u2019s experience and leadership will be instrumental as we refine and strengthen our graduate recruitment efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the same time, Provost John Magee will be responsible for advancing strategies around graduate degree programs, working closely with John LaBrie who will continue to lead graduate studies. Provost Magee will engage the faculty, including those who serve on the Graduate Board, and the expertise of external consultants as appropriate, to help us identify opportunities for innovation, differentiation, and growth in our graduate portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These changes\u2014with some details still to be finalized\u2014are designed to bring greater coherence, focus, and momentum to our enrollment efforts at a time when thoughtful strategy and coordinated execution are more important than ever. I am confident that this team is well positioned to help Clark navigate current challenges and seize emerging opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thank you, as always, for your continued dedication to our students and to fulfilling Clark\u2019s mission at such a challenging time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I am writing to share several important updates regarding our admissions work for the coming academic year, with a particular focus on strengthening our approach to graduate enrollment at a challenging and consequential moment for higher education.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"single-no-title","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-presidential-communication"],"yoast_head":"\n