Sam Houston State University, a public regional university in Texas, seeks a dedicated, experienced, and entrepreneurial professional to serve as Vice President for Enrollment Management (VPEM) and capture the university's ethos of innovation and creativity in executing a bold vision for enrollment.
With a student population of more than 21,000, Sam Houston State University (SHSU) is located in Huntsville, Texas, with an off-site instructional location in The Woodlands, the College of Osteopathic Medicine in Conroe, and a robust online presence through SHSU Online. Huntsville is located on the rapidly developing Interstate 45 corridor between Houston and Dallas. SHSU is 70 miles north of downtown Houston and 170 miles south of Dallas, ideally situated between the 4th- and 9th-largest cities in the country and two of the 10 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. This location presents many strategic opportunities for the future of Sam Houston State University.
For more than 145 years, SHSU has been preparing students for meaningful lives of achievement. SHSU continually strives to honor its historical roots through academic excellence and meeting the workforce needs of Texas, which is demonstrated by the launch of SamPoly, the newest of nine colleges at the University. SamPoly is a cutting-edge Polytechnic College designed to immediately equip students with industry-driven skills and workforce-ready training. While embracing its legacy, SHSU also strives to meet the needs of contemporary students, both in person and online. SHSU offers more than 95 bachelor's degree programs, more than 60 master's degree programs, nine doctoral programs, one professional doctorate (DO), and over 50 fully online degrees. SHSU is classified as a Carnegie doctoral university with high research activity (R2). It is also a Community Engaged University certified by the Carnegie Foundation, and a proud AASCU institution, demonstrating a commitment to education for the public good. SHSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SHSU is part of the Texas State University System, the first university system established in Texas, composed of seven institutions.
The VPEM is the Chief Enrollment Officer and is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive enrollment strategy to attract, retain, and support a diverse student body across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. The VPEM provides direct visionary leadership and strategic direction to key enrollment units, including undergraduate recruitment and admissions, undergraduate and graduate financial aid and scholarships, the registrar's office, student account services, admissions and enrollment services for medical and health professions, enrollment technologies, veterans benefits processing, testing center, undergraduate enrollment marketing and communications, and visitor services and campus tours. The role oversees a team of over 150 staff and an annual operating budget of over $20 million.
The successful candidate will be an accomplished enrollment leader with a demonstrated record of success within a complex public higher education environment. The next VPEM will build upon the strong foundation established across the Division of Strategic Enrollment and Innovation and lead implementation of SHSU's recently adopted 2026-2029 Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. The university seeks a leader who balances vision with execution, innovation with stability, and strategic leadership with operational engagement. This individual will be a collaborative partner, visible mentor, and trusted advisor who can strengthen cross-campus partnerships, further develop an already talented leadership team, and guide enrollment efforts across undergraduate, polytechnic, graduate, online, and professional education.
A detailed leadership profile is available below.
Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal. Applicants should submit, as two separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in this profile. WittKieffer is assisting Sam Houston State University. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by October 15, 2026.
Nominations and inquiries can also be directed to Ashlee Musser, Corin Edwards, and Amy Crutchfield at [email protected]
Sam Houston State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and a Smoke/Drug-Free Workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, ancestry, marital status, citizenship, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or protected veteran status. The University takes seriously the initiative to ensure equal opportunity in the workforce and to comply with Title VII as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Sam Houston State University is an “at-will” employer. Employees with a contract will have additional terms and conditions. Security-sensitive positions at SHSU require background checks in accordance with Education Code §51.215.