Following an extensive national search, Denison welcomes John Haller as the new vice president for enrollment management, effective Sept. 3, 2024. Haller, who has more than 30 years of experience in higher education, joins Denison from the University of Miami (Florida), where he has served as vice president for enrollment management and new student strategies since 2014. Haller previously worked at Denison in the admissions office from 1996-2000.
Among his many accomplishments at the University of Miami, Haller worked to advance access through scholarships and programs designed to reduce student debt upon graduation. Under Haller’s leadership at Miami, yield increased from 16% to 26%, and student selectivity improved from 38% to 19%. Haller led the development and implementation of integrated strategic plans that resulted in meeting the full financial need for all admitted students, test-optional admission, and the highest first-year retention (93%) and six-year graduation rate (84%) in Miami’s history.
“We are thrilled that John is bringing his deep experience and expertise to Denison. His proven success in innovative practices in enrollment, his focus on student success, and his grounding in analytics will drive our continued admissions momentum,” President Adam Weinberg said. “Our students, faculty, and staff will benefit from his extensive experience and commitment to Denison. John started his admissions career at Denison. He understands and values Denison’s relational culture and will bring a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach. We look forward to welcoming him back to Denison.”
At Denison, Haller will oversee all enrollment management functions, including admission, financial aid, enrollment systems, enrollment marketing and communications, and student accounts. He will lead a staff of professionals who work individually with students in all facets of the recruitment, admission, financial aid, and enrollment process.
“Denison has always been home. It is one of the few universities that provide opportunities for all students to achieve their dreams and aspirations,” Haller said. “The questions being asked here are not ‘Can we do it?’ but ‘What will we do next?’ I look forward to partnering with President Weinberg and the university community — faculty, staff, the Board of Trustees — to build on the institutional momentum and accomplishments tied to all areas of enrollment as they relate to Denison’s mission and values.”
Haller’s wealth of experience in higher education administration spans three decades in various leadership roles and institutions. He served as associate provost of enrollment management at Saint Joseph’s University from 2006-2014, assistant dean of enrollment (2004-2006) and director of MBA marketing and admissions (2003-2004) at Drexel University, and associate director of admissions and marketing at Vanderbilt University in the Owen Graduate School of Management from 2000-2003. Before that, Haller served in several roles in Denison’s admission office between 1996-2000.
“Through our conversations with many highly qualified candidates, John stood out as not only a leader in his field but as a great fit for Denison,” said Provost Kim Coplin, who chaired the search committee. “He brings knowledge and understanding about both the landscapes of enrollment and higher education. He is deeply analytical and data-driven and clearly understands Denison’s mission.”
Haller earned his bachelor of science with honors in economics and statistics from the University of Michigan, master of business administration at Frostburg State University, master of science in higher education at Drexel University, and his educational doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania. He has also served as an adjunct professor and has presented extensively on enrollment topics.
“I couldn’t be more pleased that John Haller is coming home to Denison,” said Margot Singer, director and professor of creative writing and director of strategy for the arts. “His strategic mindset, down-to-earth style, deep experience, and sharp understanding of the market are just what Denison needs to continue our strong trajectory.”
Haller has two children, Will, 16, and Bridget, who is in college. He and his wife, Jane, enjoy spending time outdoors in the mountains of Pennsylvania. He enjoys reading and writing, and his hobbies include tennis, swimming, and any sport his family is playing.
Haller will succeed Gregory Sneed, who is joining the University of Minnesota as their chief enrollment officer.