VP Dirk Whatley Elected President-Elect of Urban Enrollment Association of AACU
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Dirk Whatley, the accomplished enrollment leader at Washington Adventist University (WAU), has been elected as the President-Elect of the Urban Enrollment Association, part of the Adventist Association of Colleges and Universities (AACU). This esteemed position recognizes Whatley’s significant contributions to the field of enrollment and marketing within the Adventist education system.
Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, Provost of Washington Adventist University, expressed her admiration for Whatley’s achievement, stating, “We are honored on his behalf and on behalf of the university for the unanimous vote given by the ECR constituents for Dirk to serve as President-Elect for the North American Division schools, all 13 of them. Many of the other enrollment leaders have been part of the denominational system for extensive periods of time. But here, in just over two years of service, they recognize and walk away. The competencies, the character, the chemistry, and the vision for taking the denomination’s recruitment initiatives to the next level are most significant for who he is called to be and give visible credibility on behalf of the invitations extended through WAU to engage the minds of our students and constituents, transform their lives, and reveal their callings through Adventist higher education.”
Whatley, reflecting on his new role, remarked, “The ability to serve! That’s the first thing that came to mind once nominated for President-Elect of AEA. It’s an honor to work alongside all 13 sister institutions as we strive through our marketing and enrollment collaborative efforts to make Christian Seventh-day Adventist education the premier option for academy students and beyond.”
Marc Grundy, the Vice President for Marketing for the Adventist Association of Colleges and Universities, expressed his confidence in Whatley’s capabilities, stating, “I am very much looking forward to working with Dirk, both as President-Elect and when he becomes President of the Urban Enrollment Association. I know that he’s going to do a phenomenal job.”
Whatley’s election is a testament to his dedication and effectiveness in his role at WAU. His leadership has been marked by innovative approaches and a strong commitment to the mission of Adventist education. As President-Elect, Whatley will play a crucial role in shaping the future of enrollment strategies across the network of Adventist higher education institutions in North America.