August 26,2025
Dear Gettysburg College Community,
I am writing to share that Carey Thompson, Vice President for Enrollment and Educational Services (EES), has decided to step down from his position after four years of dedicated service to Gettysburg College.
Carey joined Gettysburg after more than four decades of successful leadership in enrollment at Furman University, Centre College, and Rhodes College. A nationally respected voice on enrollment strategy, financial aid, and student recruitment, he has served as President of the Board of Directors for the Common Application and as a member of multiple College Board advisory councils.
At Gettysburg, Carey worked tirelessly to adapt admissions and financial aid strategies in the face of growing demographic and economic challenges. One of his early initiatives—introducing Early Action—helped us rebuild and diversify our applicant pool, and he played an important role in conversations that led to the Gettysburg Approach—bringing his deep experience in enrollment and student support to the table. Upon Gail Sweezey’s departure, Carey stepped into a dual role as Dean of Admission and reorganized the admissions team to better meet the demands of today’s marketplace. In financial aid, Carey and his colleagues navigated the nationwide FAFSA challenges with great care, while also helping to rethink our aid strategy more broadly. Most recently, he led the search that brought Troy Dell ’95 to Gettysburg as Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation.
Last fall, Carey raised with me some early thoughts about the next chapter in his distinguished career. We picked the conversation up again recently. Plans crystalized in the past few weeks, with a shared commitment toward ensuring continuity for the EES team and the College. Even after his direct service to the College concludes at the end of next month, Carey will continue to lend his experience and perspective as a consultant over much of the academic year to support a smooth and seamless transition. I will be back in touch later this week to share plans for the leadership of the EES Division moving forward.
I am deeply grateful to Carey for his commitment, innovation, and steady leadership. Please join me in thanking him for his many contributions to Gettysburg.
With gratitude,
Bob Iuliano
President