Enrollment Management Consulting Firm - The Dysart Group, Inc.


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“Mr. Dysart has a distinctive set of talents that combines a business savvy with an intricate knowledge of factors influencing a student’s decision to attend a college or university. His attention to detail, knowledge of both admissions and financial aid, his forth-right manner of communication and solid counsel provides a rubric for maximizing recruiting effectiveness. As president, I appreciate the broad perspective that Mr. Dysart offers, his ability to assess scenarios and the proven recommendations he makes to enhance the enrollment management process. Wesley has had a long-standing relationship with Mr. Dysart and his counsel, this past year, assisted Wesley grow applications by 65%, deposits by 23% and attract the largest entering class in the history of the College in addition to strengthening the academic profile of this group.”
Dr. William N. Johnston
President
Wesley College
120 N. State Street
Dover, DE 19901

“I recently started my new role as chief enrollment officer and contacted John Dysart to see about having him conduct an audit of our financial aid and admission offices. I knew I was working with someone who would get the job done when he asked, “Are you ready to work?” He warned me about his intentions to analyze processes, make recommendations, and enact change. According to him, if I was not ready to do that, then don’t bother pursuing his services. I knew I had connected with an effective consultant.

We made the necessary changes related to our collection of data, analysis of that data, and the restructuring of financial aid and admission practices. In the end, we experienced tremendous results. Our freshmen applications grew by 27%, our transfer applications by 33%, our new student enrollment grew by 25%, and we experienced the largest undergraduate enrollment in the history of the school.

Now our admission and financial aid team members are excited about the possibilities. In a year that saw great economic upheaval, we were able to grow by changing how we work with prospective students, and how we leverage our institutional discounting to help our students finance their education. In the end, my president and fellow administrators were convinced that working with John Dysart was critical for us to be able to analyze and restructure admission processes to grow enrollment. Now we are poised to shape enrollment to fulfill the mission and goals of the institution.”

Brock C. Schroeder, Ph.D.
Vice President for Enrollment Management
Malone University
Canton, OH

“I am very pleased to write this testimonial for John Dysart. During the last year since he began his relationship with Roosevelt University I have become his #1 fan.

As chief enrollment officer I had been charged by our president and board chair with growing the enrollment by at least double digits within a 15 month period. Having forty years of experience made me very wary of accomplishing such a feat. We were growing credit hour totals by approximately 2% per year so it was certainly no small feat to reach such a lofty goal.

Enter John Dysart who conducted a thorough review of our processes in admission, financial aid and housing. He worked with the leadership team I assembled to analyze data every which way we could. After many changes in procedures and ongoing analysis of what we did in the past and hoped to accomplish in the future, the day of reckoning finally arrived.

Preliminary numbers after the first full day of classes in fall 2008 showed growth fueled by significant increases among new undergraduates. The growth was most notable among new freshman which grew from 306 in 2007 to 520 in 2008, an increase of almost 70%.

New transfers grew from 787 in 2007 to 914 in 2008, a 16.1% increase. The total new student count of 2363 is the largest since 1945, the year Roosevelt was founded. In addition, RU students living on campus (589 in 2007, 728 in 2008) grew by 23.5% and all this was accomplished while maintaining diversity and academic quality!

I find John a pleasure to work with since he possesses two characteristics I most admire – common sense and a sense of humor. I am only half kidding when I often ask, “John, why doesn’t every college and university hire you?”

Roosevelt University is certainly glad that we hired John Dysart and benefited from his creative thinking and effective strategies. He does not disappoint……”

Mary E. Hendry
Vice President for Enrollment and Student Services
Roosevelt University

“I have been working with John for the past few years. I initially researched John’s background and contacted a number of people who have worked with John. All of the people I talked with had very positive things to say about John’s work. I found that he is well versed in areas associated with admissions, financial aid and retention.

Our situation is different than most because we are a private university that has a partnership arrangement with a community college. The difference in the type of students and the different tuition pricing is a challenge to work through. It became immediately apparent that John is not a “boiler plate” problem solver as we worked through the ordeal.

Our biggest challenge was with the admissions office and John structured a total revision of the admissions operations and added an accountability factor to each of the staff members in the admissions office. The weekly report schedules that were developed, with the cooperation of our MIS department, allowed us to examine statistics on potential students who showed the slightest interest in attending our University and those potential students who completed applications. This gave us a proactive edge to keep in touch with all possible prospects and his recommendations provided the structure to contact thousands of prospects. In addition, financial aid packaging was improved to provide better service, faster completion of the required forms, and a structured follow-up. The fact that we were under adverse conditions, had a very late recruiting start, but still ended up with the largest freshman class in the history of the school should attest to John’s abilities to get to the heart of recruiting problems.

John has also been a big help with our tuition pricing, conducting campus visits, orientation, and technology support. He has a direct, no nonsense approach that is coupled with genuine concern for the University. His research is reliable and he is always accessible. When he returns calls he gives you his undivided attention. It would be difficult to find a consultant with the background and experience that would exceed John’s in admissions, financial aid and retention.”

Frank Heil, CPA
Vice President for Finance and Chief Information Officer
University of Rio Grande/Rio Grande Community College

"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

“Working with John Dysart for two years was a tremendous opportunity. As a young director, I found his advice and guidance very useful and practical.   His recommendations for admissions and financial aid are solid, tested and proven. His counsel is honest and results lead to success when they are fully optimized. The relationship with John assisted us in enrolling the largest freshmen class in thirty years for two consecutive years. Iowa Wesleyan College has benefited from the work we have done with The Dysart Group. I am pleased to recommend John Dysart to any college and wish him many successes.”

Mark Petty
Dean of Admissions
Iowa Wesleyan College
Mount Pleasant, Iowa

“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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