Wright State names interim VP for enrollment after years of declines

Wright State University is making another change to its administration.

The university has selected Paul Carney to replace Mary Ellen Ashley as vice president of enrollment management on an interim basis. Ashley plans to retire on Oct. 3, according to WSU.

Carney has worked in higher education since 1978 before retiring. He has served in administrative positions at the University of Dallas, the University of Notre Dame and Oklahoma State University.

» RELATED: Area colleges classes kick off during divisive time for higher ed

Carney was among three candidates presented to Wright State by The Registry for College and University Presidents, which connects schools with higher education professionals.

The three candidates came to campus and met with college deans, staff and other top administration officials. Wright State did not make the visits or the search known to the public.

“This is a critical-need position,” provost Susan Edwards said in a prepared statement. “Nationwide, many universities are seeing declines in enrollment and Wright State is not immune from that.”

» RELATED: Wright State president not given raise, bonus due to budget issues

Wright State has suffered enrollment declines in recent years.

The school’s total enrollment is projected to dip below 17,000 students this fall for the first time since 2007. The number of students enrolled at Wright State is projected to be around 16,224 this fall, nearly 3,550 below the school’s peak in 2010 when a transition from quarters to semesters started taking place.

International enrollment has been the main cause of the decline of students at WSU. Wright State’s international enrollment has decreased by 779 students since 2015, according to the school.

FIVE FAST READS

Trump’s Space Force proposal could impact NASIC at Wright-Patt

WATCH: Police body camera footage shows chaos at UD on St. Patrick’s Day

Wright-Patt hospital leader: Teamwork ‘saved lives’ during shooter scare

New furniture store to open location at two Dayton-area malls

State suing Dayton company for ‘shoddy work

THANKS FOR READING

The Dayton Daily News is committed to bringing you independent, in-depth local stories. Help support our journalism by signing up for a print or digital subscription.

About the Author