Higher education’s enrollment landscape stands at a pivotal juncture, driven by converging forces: constantly changing political and cultural environments, intense competition for students, leadership turnover at all levels, budget pressures, and rapidly evolving technology requirements. These disruptive forces are reshaping enrollment management and amplifying its strategic importance for institutions.
As performance expectations rise and the scope of enrollment expands, Chief Enrollment Management Officers (CEMOs) are being called upon to take on increasingly vital roles in shaping institutional strategy and ensuring long-term success. Today’s enrollment leaders assume broader responsibilities while remaining committed to their mission and supporting institutions in navigating a profound rethinking of student recruitment and retention strategies.
To explore the implications of these trends, WittKieffer surveyed CEMOs across U.S. institutions. This comprehensive report examines CEMOs’ evolving roles, compensation trends, and professional development needs, revealing detailed insights about their career aspirations and outlining the strategic support essential for their teams to effectively help institutions thrive in today’s challenging environment.
This analysis provides guidance for institutions seeking to strengthen their enrollment leadership capabilities during this time of significant transformation in higher education.
