Kenyon’s Robyn Bowers to join Lawrence as its new dean of admissions

Robyn Bowers, a leader in student recruitment at Kenyon College, has been named the new dean of admissions at Lawrence University.

She will lead the Lawrence admissions team beginning in early 2022.

“Robyn’s depth and breadth of experience, sharp strategic thinking, and strong connections in the college counseling community—not to mention her intelligence, warmth, and sense of humor—combined to make her an excellent match for Lawrence University,” said Ken Anselment, vice president for enrollment and communications.

Bowers currently serves as the senior associate dean and director of admissions recruitment and selection at Kenyon.

Before joining Kenyon in 2015, she worked in multicultural recruitment at Otterbein University; as the director of the Alpha Program at Western Michigan, where she directed a first-year student retention program for at-risk students; and as an assistant basketball coach and assistant director of sports information at Denison University.

Bowers called it an exciting opportunity to join Lawrence’s admissions team.

“Everyone I have met at Lawrence has impressed me with their warmth, intelligence, and deep commitment to the institution,” she said. “Lawrence’s rich liberal arts tradition, commitment to the arts, emphasis on diversity and inclusion, and welcoming community create an extraordinary learning environment. I am humbled and grateful for this opportunity and look forward to working with the admissions team to bring the light of Lawrence to prospective students.”

Bowers earned her bachelor’s degree in English and Latin at Denison and a master’s degree in higher education and student affairs at The Ohio State University. She also completed doctoral coursework in higher, adult, and leadership education at Michigan State as well as the year-long curriculum of the College Board’s Enrollment Leadership Academy.

“A frequent presenter at professional conferences, Robyn brings an engaging blend of research, analysis, and charisma to her work,” Anselment said.

Outside of work, Bowers calls herself an “amateur DIY enthusiast” and enjoys cycling. She will be moving to Appleton with her wife, Jillian, and their 2-month-old son, Auden.