The Dysart Group, Inc.


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"I have been working with John Dysart for most of my 17+ years as a College President. He brings extraordinary skills to the table on all issues related to admissions, financial aid and retention. Attention to detail, precision, data-driven recommendations and a focus on successful outcomes characterize his services. His incisiveness and keen analytical mind are impressive. My most recent experience with John was during my Presidency at Wesley College. We worked effectively together to more than double traditional enrollment (from 617 to approximately 1,500) while increasing selectivity. During my decade at Wesley, John Dysart and the College partnered to produce a transformational turnaround, and with John's help, Wesley became a very desirable place to enroll. Annual enrollment grew from 1,842 to a record 3,210 traditional, non-traditional and graduate students. Residential enrollment increased from 290 to over 1,000. We operated at traditional capacity eight years in a row. By expanding our reach, we continued to attract more and better-prepared students. The Dysart Group has been instrumental in Wesley's phenomenal enrollment success story, partly because it enabled the College to remain affordable and competitive in a changing marketplace.

I continue to utilize John Dysart's professional services for implementing recruitment, retention and financial aid programs, staff development and to conduct periodic assessments of program effectiveness. Because it is crucial to continually monitor strategy and tactics, I continue to utilize his services."

Dr. Scott D. Miller
President
Bethany College
Bethany, WV

“It is with great pleasure that I write this reference for John Dysart. He has been instrumental in achieving our strategic goal of increasing the size of our freshman class. In the very first year, our freshman class increased by 72%. In five years, our full-time traditional student body increased by 90% and our resident population rose by 143%. Our institution adopted a wide range of new recruitment strategies to achieve that result for which John provided effective guidance and support through the challenging and difficult process of change.

A key element of our strategies was the introduction of an extensive scholarship program that served both as recognition of strong academic performance as well as an incentive to join our institution. John developed the program without compromising our discount rate. He then helped us to implement and monitor it. At the same time he streamlined our other financial aid strategies to speed up our packaging and more effectively use institutional dollars.

In the years that I have worked with John, I have found him to be focused and results oriented. The fast paced environment that college recruitment has become demands constant monitoring, assessment and re-dedication of efforts. John proved to be invaluable in his evaluation of our weekly reports and in his advice for follow-up activities. His extensive experience and background have provided him with a feel for what will and will not work.

I have no hesitation in recommending John Dysart, and wishing him every success.”

Brian G. Fernandes
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dominican College
Orangeburg, NY

“John has worked with representatives at Mary Baldwin College for more than a decade. He really understands special mission institutions such as women’s colleges. He has provided broad assistance on everything from recruitment, publications and reporting to marketing and financial aid. I recommend him without hesitation.”

Lisa Branson

Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid

Mary Baldwin College

Staunton, VA

“John Dysart creates results! We hired John Dysart in December and by August our enrollment management processes were completely transformed. He helped admissions and financial aid personnel adopt a systematic approach for tracking potential students and implemented a system for student follow-up that resulted in a fifty (50!) per cent increase in student deposits over the previous year. Fantastic results in just eight months!

In addition, positive changes in the Admissions and Financial Aid offices highlighted the need for concomitant changes in many other processes including registration, advising, budgeting, marketing, housing, and tuition structuring to name a few. John’s broad experience and willingness to apply his expertise in varied situations has been invaluable to us and has helped me provide more effective leadership in areas that were not within my realm of expertise.

Finally, as an institution specialized in preparing health care professionals and affiliated with a large health care system we have a unique organizational structure and mission. John was quick to recognize and respect the distinctiveness of our college culture and he works effectively within it. His communication is superb whether he is making a presentation to my Board of Trustees, training a group of counselors, or working one-on- one with a program director. His high energy, clear and direct communication, breadth of experience and knowledge, and flexible responsiveness has provided me with valuable support in my role as President and he has functioned more like a member of my administrative team than a traditional consultant.

I look forward to an extended association with John and am confident that colleges who are looking for help to improve their processes, productivity, efficiency, and student satisfaction should invite him for an exploratory visit. I predict you will be more than satisfied with the results he creates!”

Carol Seavor, Ed D

President

Jefferson College of Health Sciences

Roanoke, VA

“John Dysart is a seasoned veteran with many years of successful experience helping colleges and universities achieve greater success in enrollment management. I have known John for a long time, worked with him at two institutions, and would recommend him without reservation.

John is a consummate professional who brings knowledge, experience and a high level of integrity to his consulting work. He has the ability to provide both insightful analysis and clear and appropriate recommendations. He communicates well and is a pleasure to have both on campus and as a colleague.

Needless to say, the ultimate assessment of an enrollment management consultant is results. John is unquestionably successful in his efforts. I know this both first-hand and through conversation with his other clients.

I previously served as the President of Ohio Dominican University. Through John's assistance and advice, we doubled our application pool, increased the geographic diversity of our applicants, significantly increased our enrollment and concurrently increased the academic quality of our new students. All of this was achieved in less than three years. John's greatest strength is his vast knowledge and expertise in financial issues. His work with Ohio Dominican's financial aid operations, his recommendations regarding pricing strategies and his analysis of net revenue and revenue growth were most helpful insuring record enrollment and below average discount rates.

With John's assistance, Ohio Dominican was able to build new residence halls, begin construction on a new student center, add academic and student development programs ... all to serve the institution's growing enrollment. John played a central role in the growth of Ohio Dominican and I would recommend him t any college or university that wants to experience similar success."

Jack P. Calareso, Ph.D.

President

Anna Maria College

Paxton, MA

“I have worked with John Dysart at four different institutions where he was either my colleague or consultant. In each case, dramatic results were achieved. John is an enormously talented, energetic and creative individual whose work has consistently produced increased enrollments, increased academic quality and stabilized financial aid costs. He is often referred to as the "Master of the Financial Aid Universe" but he is also equally savvy about admissions and how to integrate it with financial aid. He is also noted for attention to detail - nothing ever seems to get by him!

When I started with Ferrum College in 2005, I asked John to help us develop an enrollment management plan to move the institution forward. Admissions saw quick results applications increasing by 46% and new student enrollment increasing by 50% in two short years. Total student enrollment also increased by 30%. It is worth noting that the gains in total student enrollment were obtained not only from improved recruitment but also from improved retention. John helped us develop a retention plan that included an innovative approach to "re-recruitment" which helped produce a seven percent increase in freshmen retention in just one year.

Ferrum has also seen notable improvement in financial aid. John's suggestions regarding packaging and processing enabled financial aid to integrate more closely with the overall enrollment goals of the institution. Service to students has improved and financial aid paperwork is completed much more quickly. Consequently, 97% of all financial aid folders are complete by the opening of school in fall. John's approach to the management of financial aid has significantly increased net revenue and helped stabilize the institution's discount rate. Because of that approach, Ferrum has enjoyed a significantly positive financial impact from the enrollment gains noted above.”

Douglas E. Clark

Vice President for Enrollment Management

Ferrum College

Ferrum, VA

“We are so pleased with our enrollment results!!! Our applications have almost tripled in three years thanks wholly to the methods John Dysart taught us. His no nonsense, no glitz approach really resonated with our top management. His willingness to go the extra mile in really learning about our institution and its unique mission gave us confidence that he could guide us on the right course for our particular situation. We felt we truly had a teammate that was as committed to our goals and success as we were. I know the Board of Trustees felt that same way when he made an outstanding presentation to them.

John, thank you for taking the time to meet with our President’s Council; you provided us with some very valuable recommendations regarding our long-range planning and retention. We have implemented those ideas and are just now seeing the positive results you predicted.   John, you are more than a consultant to us. You’ve truly become a lasting friend and a part of Southern Virginia University. Please let me know if I can recommend you to other institutions. I would be happy to do so because I know their money would be well spent.”

Mr. Walt Ralls

Administrative Vice President

Southern Virginia University

Buena Vista, VA

“I have worked closely with John Dysart at two private institutions to develop and implement recruitment strategies that incorporate financial aid leveraging systems. His knowledge of this field is specific and very current. He is by far the most hands on consultant I have worked with over my 25 year career in higher education administration.

John makes it a point to understand in detail the operational dynamics of the institution with which he is consulting. So, rather than simply bringing a blueprint that can only work one way, he designs a plan that incorporates the institution’s unique needs with his proven strategy, monitors the implementation and makes adjustments along the way that culminate in immediate and sustainable results.

He is readily reachable and gives 100% of his attention whenever contacted. John Dysart is a consultant with whom you can create success!”

Ms. Marcia Nance

Vice President for Enrollment

Holy Names University

Oakland, CA

“John has a remarkable ability to think outside the box because he brings a unique combination of skills to the table. John's a financial aid expert, but he thinks like an admission officer. Lots of people talk about enrollment management - John practices it. If you need help using financial aid, boosting enrollment, molding your incoming class or increasing your revenue you have to talk to John.”

Mr. Gary Apito

President

French Culinary Institute

New York, NY

"It has been my privilege to work with John Dysart over the past five years. As a result of his initial consulting visit to Quincy University, we experienced a 19% increase in new students. Obviously, we have maintained a close relationship ever since.

John always has new, creative ideas and suggestions to share. He makes himself readily available to his clients and is a pleasure to work with. I feel like John is a member of our enrollment team and value his expertise and support. I recommend John without hesitation to any institution seeking enrollment support."

Ms. Pat Laytham

Vice President for Enrollment

Quincy University

Quincy, IL

“I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with John Dysart for the last few years. John’s knowledge and understanding of the financial aid process has benefited both our students and the overall efficiency of my office.

I’ll never forget the first time John came to Ohio Dominican and asked to see all of the written correspondence and forms used in the Financial Aid Office. It didn’t take John more than a few seconds to tell me we didn’t need any of them and began working with me on how to make the financial aid process more streamlined, more efficient and most importantly, more proactive in working with both new and returning students.

John’s style was a breath of fresh air. We were now in the business of reminding our returning students to file for financial aid! The elimination of unnecessary paper work has freed up staff members to dedicate more of their time to outreach initiatives that were once never imaginable in the financial aid process. Students, both new and returning are now able to get their financial aid packages within 24 to 48 hours!

I have been in the financial aid profession for twenty years and for the first time in my career I can honestly tell you that these past two and a half years have made me a better leader. I now have time to reflect on the past year - what worked, what didn’t work - and then begin planning for the next processing year.”

Ms. Cynthia Hahn

Director of Financial Aid

Ohio Dominican University

Columbus, OH

“John W. Dysart has been enrollment consultant to Saint Xavier University since 1998. Total enrollment has increased 53% over this period. Freshmen applications have nearly tripled, academic quality has improved, the residential student population has doubled, and there have been substantial gains in net revenue. Revenue gains have made it possible for the University to transform its campus through the addition of five new buildings during this five-year period.

Mr. Dysart has an excellent grasp of all aspects of the recruitment process. His recommendations regarding pricing and financial aid strategies are outstanding. We have implemented changes in technology, applicant services, and campus visit programs as direct results of consultations with John.

Mr. Dysart regularly visits the campus and interacts with decision makers and front line staff. When not on campus, he keeps in constant contact by reviewing progress reports and outcomes. John Dysart approaches his work with a strong intellect but also with an engaging personal style. We on the Enrollment Services team at Saint Xavier University consider ourselves very fortunate to have had a sustained and productive relationship with this excellent colleague.”

Dr. Steve Murphy

Vice President for University Advancement

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL

“I have had the pleasure of working with John Dysart at two institutions. He is among the first people I called when I accepted the position as President at Tri-State University.

I have continued to rely on his services based upon his ability to increase enrollment, reduce financial aid costs and improve academic quality. John has helped me realize all-time, historical record new student enrollments at both schools. His understanding of admissions, retention, recruitment, marketing, finance, pricing and financial aid has been proven. I continue to utilize his services because of his approach and accountability.

His follow-up is consistent. He is always direct, honest and realistic in his assessments and recommendations and backs up his comments with research and data. John has always operated as part of the enrollment team and his commitment to excellence, detail and success matches mine!”

Dr. Earl Brooks

President

Tri-State University

Angola, IN

“John’s approach to the financial aid awarding matrix is a comprehensive financial process for ongoing, timely aid processing and enrollment monitoring. His matrix strategy allows flexibility to target specific SAT/GPA groups with pricing tools that increase tuition income yield over the life of the four year undergraduate student contract. It is adaptable to graduate programs as well. It can be adjusted as needed depending on the enrollment patterns in any given recruitment cycle to maximize net tuition income. In the first year of the implementation of the matrix our institution saw a noticeable increase in net tuition income and a turnaround in our undergraduate enrollment.

John’s knowledge of the awarding process coupled with his ability to understand the net tuition needs of the client make him an effective financial aid matrix consultant. He is highly responsive to customer needs, especially in a complex environment with multiple pricing strategies, and he helped us to streamline and consolidate a myriad of financial aid awarding parameters into a consistent program. Properly utilized, the matrix student aid awarding process is a highly efficient tool to increase net tuition from students. "

Mr. Steve Gehret

Vice President for Finance

Tusculum College

Greenville, TN

“I began working with John Dysart in 1998 when Saint Xavier University was in the very early stages of a set of strategic recruitment initiatives. While the University’s executive leadership team appreciated the vital role of ‘data-informed’ decision-making, the institution lacked the operational experience and know-how needed to translate our lofty recruitment goals into reality.

John Dysart’s guidance and mentoring turned our dreams of success into reality. He showed us how to filter and shape data into useful information through weekly and biweekly statistical summaries. He taught us how to track progress towards goals at every stage of the recruitment cycle, and to foster a shared sense of accountability within all units responsible for student recruitment and enrollment. Through multiple years of tutoring and assistance, our management team gradually developed a ‘culture of evidence’ that endures and continues to grow to this day.

It is said that ‘without a vision the people perish;’ our experiences with John Dysart taught us that ‘without data the vision is lost.’    The proof of our new adage is found in the results. Our first set of strategic recruitment goals were met and surpassed three years ahead of schedule. Between 1998 and 2004, freshmen applications tripled; overall undergraduate applications more than doubled; the size of entering freshmen classes grew by 50%, and overall undergraduate enrollment increased 31%. Over the same time period, our resident population doubled and the average ACT composite of new freshmen grew two full points. All of this was accomplished while keeping our overall tuition discount rate well below the national average for institutions like Saint Xavier University. None of this would have been possible without the assistance and help from John Dysart.”

Dr. Kathleen Carlson

Vice President for Research, Planning and Assessment

Saint Xavier University

Chicago, IL

"I have known and worked with John Dysart at three colleges over the last fifteen years. While I value his expertise on all issues related to recruitment and retention, I count on him to help me in the area of financial aid. He understands award policies, financial aid processes, pricing, discount rates, and net revenue. He recently assisted me in reducing the discount rate at my institution by five percent in the first year. He did this while our tuition increased, our retention remained stable, and our academic profile increased."

Gary Sherman

Vice President for Enrollment

North Carolina Wesleyan College

Rocky Mount, NC

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