External Relations Retreat
Speakers
Roger Thompson
Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, Indiana University
In May 2006, upon the recommendation of Provost Michael McRobbie, the Indiana University Board of Trustees confirmed the appointment of Roger J. Thompson as vice provost for enrollment management (OEM). Dr. Thompson is responsible for all areas related to the recruitment and retention of students. This effort is implemented through the following OEM departments: Office of Admissions, Office of Admissions Research and Scholarships, Office of Orientation Programs, Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Student Financial Assistance. These organizations are responsible for providing services to currently enrolled students and those students interested in enrolling at Indiana University. Additionally, the Office of Enrollment Management provides services to the faculty and staff of IU, as well as community members, alumni, and supporters of Indiana University.
Dr. Thompson joined the IU family after serving as associate vice president for enrollment management at the University of Alabama. During Thompson's tenure as Associate Vice President, enrollment at Alabama reached record levels in terms of freshmen class size, diversity and quality. The size of the freshmen class grew 65 percent, African American enrollment increased by 45 percent, and the quality of the entering student body, as measured by grade point average and standardized test scores, increased to record levels, including the growth of nationally recognized high school scholars from 65 in 2002 to 198 in the freshmen class of 2006. Thompson began his tenure at the University of Alabama in 1998 when he was appointed University Registrar.
Prior to Thompson's arrival at Alabama in June 1998, he served in a number of capacities at the University of Southern California during the 1990's. Before joining USC, Dr. Thompson served two other institutions as an advisor and student affairs professional. He has made numerous presentations at state, regional and national conferences. Dr. Thompson will lead a new research agenda with initiatives related to student persistence, student satisfaction, program effectiveness, and the study of pre-enrollment characteristics as a predictor for student success.
A native of the west coast, Dr. Thompson earned a B.A. in Broadcasting from California State University, Long Beach, an M.S. from Central Missouri State University, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Policy and Administration from the University of Southern California.