Delaware Valley University Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Co-Edits Book on Graduate Enrollment Management

DOYLESTOWN, Pa., — (4/18/24) — Delaware Valley University Dean of Graduate and Professional Studies Joseph Paris recently announced the release of his book, A Comprehensive Guide to Graduate Enrollment Management: Advancing Research and Practice, which he co-edited with Stanley J. Kania III, Ph.D., and published through Routledge, an imprint of Taylor and Francis Group.

It is the first book co-edited by Paris who also contributed as author and co-author of several chapters in the book. As editors, Paris and Kania meticulously curated chapters from nearly one hundred proposals from leading experts around the country, shaping them into cohesive chapters that explore the nuances of graduate enrollment management. Kania currently serves as assistant dean of admissions and enrollment and assistant professor in the Department of Family, Community and Preventative Medicine at Drexel University College of Medicine.

The book serves as a catalyst for critical conversations about graduate enrollment management, shedding light on a topic that has often been overshadowed by its undergraduate counterpart. In an era when the importance of graduate education is on the rise, institutions of all sizes grapple with pressing questions and the development and implementation of innovative strategies. Through compelling case studies, cutting-edge research and thought-provoking discussions, this comprehensive guide captivates a diverse audience, including faculty members, scholars, and graduate admissions professionals.

“The book is intended for several audiences including faculty members who are involved in mentoring graduate students and are often involved in the role of evaluating graduate admissions applications but may not necessarily have a lot of background in how that process works,” said Paris. “It’s also for scholars conducting graduate enrollment management research, and anyone who works in admissions or who is involved in the graduate enrollment process, who are asking new questions in the field and exploring those lines of inquiry and practice.”

Paris’ motivation to edit the book stemmed from his career experience that spans undergraduate admissions to graduate level enrollment and admissions processes at various universities. His journey began as a student worker and tour guide in the undergraduate admissions office at Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) which led to his first job as an undergraduate admissions counselor at his alma mater. He went on to become the assistant dean of enrollment management and marketing at Temple University’s College of Education and Human Development. After earning his doctorate, he served as an assistant professor of higher education at Temple before becoming the executive director of Graduate Admissions at West Chester University and eventually joining DelVal. It was through this professional journey and research that he noticed literature was vast and expansive on the topic of undergraduate admissions, but far more limited for graduate enrollment management.

Paris noted, "While there is a wealth of literature on undergraduate admissions, the same cannot be said for graduate admissions. We aimed to create a comprehensive resource that covers the entire lifecycle of a graduate student, from initial interest in pursuing a master's or doctoral degree to post-graduation success."

Unlike DelVal, where undergraduate and graduate enrollments have increased over the last few years, many institutions nationwide are facing challenges related to a declining undergraduate population in the U.S. due to demographic shifts, prompting discussions on revenue diversification.

Paris added, "Our book challenges readers to consider the factors involved in developing new graduate programs, from effective marketing and student recruitment to equitable evaluation of applicants.” Paris is a member of The Association of Graduate Enrollment Management (NAGAP), the only professional organization devoted exclusively to the concerns of individuals working in the graduate enrollment management environment. Paris was recently elected to serve on the NAGAP board as the research chair and will be honored alongside Kania with the promotion of excellence award for their work on the book. Paris was also selected as the 2024 recipient of the NAGAP Visionary Award. Paris and Kania will be recognized at the organization’s 2024 GEM Summit in Louisville, Kentucky April 24-27.

The book is available for purchase now through Routledge at routledge.com and through book retailers.