Outreach and schools hire recruiters

The recruitment team from left: Katherine Medina-Gross, Rick Chacon, Bill Lynam, Shari Gauthier, Joe Mazares, Delma Garcia, and Olivia Chavez.

by Tom Uribes

Looking to become more aggressive and sophisticated in its student recruitment strategies, University Outreach Services has assigned one counselor each to Fresno State's eight academic schools.

The appointments are Rick Chacon, agricultural sciences and technology; Kay Vu-Lee, arts and humanities; Bill Lynam, business; Delma Garcia, education; Joe Mazares, engineering and computer science; Shari Gauthier, health and human services; Katherine Medina-Gross, natural sciences; and Olivia Chavez, social sciences.

The move is part of a targeted and systematic approach to student recruitment, according to President John D. Welty.

"Colleges and universities have become increasingly competitive in their efforts to attract good students," Welty said. "We want to make it clear that, for most college-bound students in the valley, the smartest choice may be closest to home - Fresno State."

Bernie Vinovrski, assistant vice president for enrollment services, said the assignment of school recruiters will "marry all the university's outreach efforts together."

He said the recruiters will spend the first few months of the recruitment cycle - September to November - working out of the Outreach Office visiting schools, attending recruitment fairs, and making contacts in general. After Thanksgiving, they will spend about three-fourths of their time working out of the university's schools.