Hampden-Sydney College announced today the appointment of Jeffery Norris as vice president for enrollment following a comprehensive, nationwide search. Mr. Norris will succeed the College’s longtime admissions leader, Anita H. Garland, who is retiring after nearly 40 years of service. Hampden-Sydney also announced today the promotion of Jason Ferguson ‘96 as dean of admissions.
Mr. Norris comes to Hampden-Sydney from Rhodes College in Memphis, where he served most recently as director of admissions. Mr. Norris brings nearly 20 years of experience in enrollment leadership, recruitment and financial aid strategy, data-driven decision making, enrollment marketing, and relationship building.
“The search committee and I have been very impressed by the level of Jeff’s enrollment experience and his passion for small private colleges,” said President Larry Stimpert. “The higher education marketplace is complex and dynamic, and Jeff’s expertise in harnessing data, adapting to new technologies and market shifts, and strategically targeting resources will be essential as we build on our recent momentum and continue advancing Hampden-Sydney’s mission of forming good men and good citizens. Jeff’s relationships with college counselors both in the U.S. and internationally will also be vital as Hampden-Sydney increases its geographic reach and targets new markets. Above all, Jeff’s emphasis on an individualized approach to recruiting will ensure that our admissions operation’s legendary personal touch will endure.”
A member of many admission-related professional societies, Mr. Norris has also been active in his community, having served as chair of the Bartlett City (Tenn.) Board of Education since 2013. Mr. Norris will assume his position at Hampden-Sydney on August 15.
“It is awe-inspiring to be joining a historic institution with a 244-year mission of forming good men and good citizens,” said Mr. Norris. “I am honored and privileged for the opportunity to serve the Hampden-Sydney community in this role. I look forward to working with alumni, faculty, staff, parents, and friends of the College to further elevate Hampden-Sydney's reputation among prospective students, parents, and college guidance counselors as well as to bring a new sense of innovation to enrollment.”
“As we welcome Jeff to Hampden-Sydney, we’re also thrilled that Jason Ferguson will be serving as dean of admissions,” President Stimpert said. “Since he was a student working in the admissions mailroom, Ferg has been an outstanding ambassador for the College, and over the past two decades he has been a mentor to many admissions staff members and Hampden-Sydney students. The personal touch Ferg developed under Anita Garland’s tutelage has brought many Tigers into our family, and his institutional knowledge, breadth of relationships College-wide, and eloquence in sharing the Hampden-Sydney story will continue to be essential in our enrollment efforts.”
Said Mr. Ferguson, “I've had the pleasure to work under a legend and serve my alma mater for the past 23 years. I know her history, her traditions, and her alumni.”
Mr. Ferguson began his service in the Hampden-Sydney admissions office as a student worker before becoming assistant dean of admissions in 1996. He has served as director of admissions since 2008, supporting Dean Garland in many facets of the operation and leading recruitment efforts in key markets such as Richmond. In addition to many other contributions on campus, Mr. Ferguson has served as a freshman advisor, living and learning community coordinator, and advisor to Kappa Alpha Order.
“As the dean of admissions, I look forward to partnering with Jeff as we move the College into a new era,” Mr. Ferguson said.
In addition to a bachelor of arts from Hampden-Sydney, Mr. Ferguson holds a master of science in community and college counseling from Longwood University. His promotion is effective August 15.