Dear Members of the Gettysburg Community,
I am writing to let you know that, after an extensive national search, J. Carey Thompson has been appointed to serve as Gettysburg College’s next Vice President for Enrollment and Educational Services. Carey emerged from an exceptionally strong field of candidates as the individual with the wisdom, creativity, and integrity to lead our innovative EES division in today’s competitive higher education environment.
Carey comes to Gettysburg with 38 years of experience in college admissions, enrollment, communications, career services, and student financial aid. Currently, Carey serves as Vice President for Enrollment and Communications and Dean of Admission for Rhodes College, where he has successfully increased first-year applicant pools, selectivity, and diversity, all the while bolstering accompanying academic measures and net revenue. His previous roles include overseeing admissions, career services, and student financial planning at Centre College, and leading the admissions team at his alma mater, Furman University.
Throughout his career, Carey has gained a deep understanding of and appreciation for the admissions process, including serving on the Board of Directors and as President of the Board of Directors for the Common Application. In my discussions with Carey over the past several months, I have been impressed with his transformative initiatives at three liberal arts colleges; his deep commitment to diversity and accessibility; and his ability to steer institutional enrollment strategies in the face of dramatic change and still achieve remarkable results.
In his new role, Carey will oversee Admissions, Athletics, Financial Aid, Institutional Analysis, and our Student Success and Wellbeing Program.
I would like to thank the members of the Search Committee for their tremendous work: Marsha Hoffman Comegno ’94, Gettysburg College Trustee; Darrien Davenport, Assistant Secretary to the Board of Trustees and Assistant Vice President of College Life; Shelli Frey, Professor of Chemistry; Dan Konstalid, Vice President for Finance and Administration; Jennifer Lucas, Search Coordinator and Executive Director of Human Resources; Hera Molina ’22; Monica Ogra, Associate Professor of Environmental Studies; Julie Ramsey, Retired Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students; Tyra Riedemonn ’20; and Jamie Yates, Executive Director of Communications and Marketing
I would also like to thank our search consultants at Isaacson Miller and the many of you who engaged in the search process, whether by nominating potential candidates or participating in conversations about what the College should be seeking in a candidate. I would especially like to extend a world of thanks to Barbara Fritze for her unwavering leadership in this position over the past 20 years, particularly throughout this transition period. Barbara will continue in the role until her retirement this summer, at which point Carey will assume the VP responsibilities.
Carey’s first official day will be July 1. Thank you for joining me in welcoming Carey to the Gettysburg College community!
Sincerely,
Bob Iuliano
President