Robert Morris University has named veteran higher education leader Kevin Hearn its next vice president for enrollment management, effective February 8, 2021. 

An innovative and collaborative higher education executive, Hearn has nearly 30 years of experience building and leading diverse teams to drive institutional initiatives and achieve organizational goals. His progressive leadership has allowed him to serve at the senior executive level for the past 15years, working directly with college and university presidents, boards of trustees and advisors, as well as corporate and private sector executives. 

“I am honored to be selected to serve as the next vice president for enrollment management at Robert Morris University and look forward to working with the faculty, staff, and students, as well as with alumni and regional business partners, to strengthen the enrollment strategy and build on the rich academic tradition and reputation of the university,” said Hearn. 

Most recently, Hearn served as vice president for enrollment management and strategic communications at Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia, where notable achievements include a 30 percent increase in first-year enrollment during the 2019-20 academic year; the launch of new graduate programs; and new online, dual enrollment programs with local high schools. 

Hearn has previously held leadership positions at Niagara University in Lewiston, N.Y., and Dean College in Franklin, Mass. Throughout his career, he has led university enrollment functions, admissions and retention, student financial services, and growth for undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs. He has also launched numerous strategic initiatives, and he regularly incorporates data and assessment instruments to evaluate and improve program and personnel effectiveness and satisfaction.

“Kevin’s experience, leadership skills, and record of achievement are unparalleled, and we are fortunate to have him at the helm of our enrollment management team as RMU heads into its second century,” said RMU President Chris Howard.

Hearn holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Le Moyne College, a master’s degree in counseling and educational psychology from Rhode Island College, and a doctorate in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, in addition to several professional certifications and endorsements. 
He and his wife Ellie, a high school French teacher, have been married for 23 years and have three sons. 

At RMU, Hearn succeeds Wendy Beckemeyer, who left the university in August for a similar position at Cornell College in Iowa.