Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Student Engagement
Dec. 10, 2024 - 9:03 a.m.
Dear faculty, staff and students,
After a months-long process involving expansive work from our search firm and committee in evaluating a great selection of candidates, I am pleased to share that Dr. Kent Willis has been named the inaugural senior vice president for enrollment and student engagement at SFA. Dr. Willis brings a wealth of experience in student success, enrollment growth and inclusive campus leadership to this newly created role, which is pivotal to advancing SFA’s mission.
Dr. Willis is no stranger to our university — he is a proud SFA alumnus who earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies in 2008 right here in Nacogdoches. During his time as a Lumberjack, he was deeply involved in campus life, serving in the Student Government Association and participating in other student organizations that shaped his passion for higher education and student engagement.
Dr. Willis was one of three finalists named by the SVPESE search committee. At his request, his candidacy was not publicly announced due to professional considerations during the selection process. While he did not participate in a public town hall, Dr. Willis earnestly engaged in all other aspects of the rigorous selection process, including visiting campus and meeting with key stakeholder groups, who were invited to provide feedback. This approach ensured he met the same expectations as the other candidates without compromising his standing elsewhere.
Following his graduation from SFA, Dr. Willis earned a master’s degree in secondary education from East Central University and a doctoral degree in educational management from Hampton University. His academic background, coupled with his extensive professional experience, positions him to make an immediate and positive impact on our campus community.
Dr. Willis joins us from California State University, Fresno, where he served as vice president for student affairs and enrollment management. In this role, he implemented transformative initiatives that significantly enhanced the student experience and bolstered enrollment outcomes. Prior to Fresno State, he held key leadership positions at other institutions, including assistant vice president and associate dean of the graduate school at The University of Texas at Tyler.
The creation of this senior vice president position aligns with our strategic priorities to enhance the student experience from recruitment to graduation. Dr. Willis’s comprehensive leadership in enrollment management and his student-centered approach will play a vital role in supporting these efforts.
We would like to extend our gratitude to Academic Search, the firm that supported our efforts throughout this process, and to the search committee composed of SFA faculty and staff for their hard work and dedication. Their careful deliberations and commitment to identifying the right leader for this critical role were instrumental in achieving this successful outcome.
The search committee and campus leadership are confident in Dr. Willis’s ability to bring exceptional vision and expertise to this new role. His first day on campus will be Jan. 13.
Thank you for your continued dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive campus environment as we embark on this exciting new chapter.
Sincerely,
Dr. Neal Weaver
President