Robert Nowak to lead Admissions team as associate VP for enrollment management

Robert Nowak is joining Lawrence University as its new associate vice president for enrollment management. He will begin April 1.

Nowak comes to Lawrence from Concordia University, where he has worked in enrollment and financial aid leadership positions since 2007, most recently serving as assistant vice president of enrollment services.

Reporting to Phil Betz, vice president for enrollment management, Nowak fills the vacant dean of admissions position. He will guide the university’s domestic recruiters and the visit team, all of whom work directly with prospective students throughout the admissions process. He will serve on the enrollment division’s leadership team, providing a key voice in developing and executing enrollment strategies that touch on everything from recruitment to technology to campus visits.

“Growing up in Wisconsin, I was always aware of the reputation and rich history that Lawrence has, and further the importance that they place into a liberal arts education,” Nowak said. “However, the more recent draw was from my conversations with President (Laurie) Carter and many members of the Lawrence community who all echoed a clear vision ready to embrace any challenges and achieve great things together.” 

Nowak holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and a Master of Education Secondary Administration (M.Ed.) from Grand Canyon University. He is a 2012 graduate of the Disney Institute’s Leadership Excellence program.

Nowak said he’s excited to bring his experience and ideas to Lawrence.

“The job itself of leading Admissions is one I take a lot of pride in, as it usually is the first impression a student and family will experience,” he said. “Establishing those relationships early on that leave a lasting impression and leading a team that can make that kind of a guest experience amazing, well, that is magical. One last thing I look forward to integrating with our team and across departmental lines is sharing the best practices I've learned and implemented from the Disney Institute's Leadership Excellence trainings.”