FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The University of Arkansas is pleased to announce Dawn Medley has been hired as the director of admissions effective September 8; her salary will be $70,000. Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Bob Smith says, her hiring was a critical component for the University’s newly reconfigured Department of Enrollment Services.

"As we strive to meet the goals established under the 2010 Commission, we felt it was imperative to have a first-rate enrollment services operation," Smith said. "Dawn exemplifies the qualities we searched for in a candidate for this director’s position. She conveys a clear vision of how to improve enrollment strategies and demonstrates excellent managerial skills. We are thrilled to have Dawn joining us this fall."

With more than 13 years of experience in education, Medley currently serves as the associate director of admissions at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. She plays an integral role in the development and maintenance of University admissions operations, including financial-aid packaging, Web site, video and print development. As a result of the programs instituted by Medley and her staff, the previous three years have seen record numbers of students enroll at Southeast Missouri State.

Prior to working with Southeast Missouri State, Medley held positions in admissions at the University of Missouri-Rolla and as a counselor, teacher and basketball coach in Dixon, Missouri and Aurora, Illinois. Medley also worked as an English instructor at the Center for Independent Study at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

"I am excited about the vision and support for Admissions at the University of Arkansas," Medley said. "As the flagship institution, the University is committed to the success of students in the state, and I am committed to working with the campus and educators throughout the state to make sure that we are providing a high level of service to all."

Among her responsibilities as director of admissions, Medley will work closely with the provost’s office and academic departments, analyzing statistics, strategies and trends at the University to improve recruitment techniques and enrollment as the U of A moves closer towards its goal of 22,500 students by the year 2010.

"Dawn brings a remarkable amount of energy and knowledge to our new director’s position," Smith said. "Her experience and history of success with admission improvements at past universities are very encouraging, and we believe she will do an extraordinary job here at the U of A."