After a four percent drop in enrollment this semester, MSU is shifting gears.
Three administrative positions have been restructured.
Dr. Keith Lamb, former vice president of student affairs, has had “enrollment management” added to his title.
MSU President Dr. Jesse Rogers said Lamb was selected because of his experience with student activities, with student government and his close relationship with many of the university’s students.
“Enrollment management is a concept that has been around for over 20 years,” Rogers said. “In this position, Dr. Lamb will work with the Office of Admissions on recruiting.”
Additionally, he will work with the Office of Financial aid.
“It is important that a university has cooperation between these offices in order to serve all of the students’ needs, particularly for those applying for admission to MSU,” Rogers said.
Rogers believes that Lamb’s knowledge, personality and his recent completion of a Ph.D. in higher education administration uniquely qualify him for this position.
Dr. Robert Clark, vice president of administration and institutional effectiveness, will now head the effort for reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
With that title, he will also make travel arrangements for the SACS off-site visit to the campus.
“This is a huge job and he will spend most of his time writing the entire report for the university over the next year and a half,” Rogers said.
Clark will also be in charge of the Information Systems Department of the university where he will oversee MSU’s move into a new area of information technology.
This will allow communication between MSU and students, Rogers said.
“Dr. Clark is particularly suited for this because of his long-term experience as a professor and his experience with information technology.”
Now the Vice President of University Advancement and Public Affairs, Dr. Howard Farrell is beginning a large fund-raising campaign that will last for the next three years.
Before the administration change-up, Farrell was  vice president of university advancement and student affairs.
But public affairs is not a new division of the university. Farrell’s title was changed to better reflect those offices that report to him, Rogers said.
“Raising funds requires personal and professional relationships that are established and maintained over a long period of time,” Rogers said.