Enrollment Management

Sarah Wade brings visionary leadership and a result-driven approach to her work. A passionate leader, strategist, and activator, she is always looking ahead to identify opportunities for innovation and growth. A 1999 graduate of Messiah College, Sarah then earned her master's in organizational leadership from Azusa Pacific University and has since contributed her expertise to Messiah and several other institutions in diverse and impactful roles. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Sarah and her team collaborate across campus to ensure excellent service to prospective students and their families.

In addition to her role as Vice President, Sarah also directly oversees Graduate Enrollment.

• Direct graduate and professional studies enrollment team operations and strategic initiatives
• Enhance graduate student processes, communication systems, and marketing collaboration
• Manage articulation agreements, graduate MOUs, and partnership development
• Collaborate with program directors to improve enrollment strategies and outcomes for each graduate program

Leslie earned her degree in Middle Childhood Education with concentrations in Math and Language Arts from Malone College in 2003 then began her career teaching 8th grade Algebra in Southern Maryland. Leslie joined the hospitality team part-time in 2017. She quickly transitioned to her current role where her math-and-language arts background brings both analytical precision and creative problem-solving to the wide-ranging demands of divisional management.

• Manage creation and production of all print materials and promotional merchandise for prospective students
• Oversee budget development, management, and advertising coordination for all six division offices
• Coordinate hiring processes with supervisors and Human Resources for division staffing needs
• Provide comprehensive administrative support to Vice President and Enrollment Management directors

Shayna earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Messiah in 2014 and her MBA in 2018. Responsibilities include setting annual enrollment goals, developing strategic recruitment plans, and overseeing the admissions decision process.

• Hire, train, and support the professional development of admissions counselors and support staff
• Set annual admissions goals and monitor progress toward enrollment targets through strategic planning
• Develop, implement, and assess strategic enrollment plans that align with institutional priorities
• Translate strategic initiatives into actionable steps for counselor execution and implementation
• Chair the Admissions Committee and oversee all undergraduate admissions decisions

Matt graduated from Messiah College in 1996 with a degree in Sport and Exercise Science. For the next five years, he worked in a variety of athletics, fitness, and recreation-related roles, before entering the world of enrollment management as an admission counselor in 2001. Since then, and prior to his appointment as Director of Enrollment Partnerships, Matt completed his M.A. in Higher Education through Geneva College, and he held leadership roles at several institutions, including Director of Admission at Houghton College, Director of College Counselling at Wesleyan Christian Academy, and Director of Graduate and Nontraditional Enrollment at Messiah.

• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with high schools and outside programs including those designated as Pathway Partners.
• Oversee dual enrollment program operations including course coordination with
• students, parents, and school counselors, faculty, and colleagues in the Provost’s Office, Registrar’s Office, and Student Financial Services
• Serve as primary admissions counselor for prospective first-year students from Upstate New York
• Participate as voting member on Admissions Committee for enrollment decisions

A 2009 alumna with degrees in youth ministry and psychology, Kristin grew up in Northern Virginia as part of a military family. After serving as a middle school youth pastor, she returned to Messiah to lead our campus visit experience. Kristin's passion for creating welcoming environments extends beyond her professional role - she also coaches Messiah's women's ultimate frisbee team.

• Lead undergraduate admissions visit operations including large events, individual visits, and group experiences
• Hire, train, and supervise admissions student hospitality assistants and ambassador tour guides
• Collaborate with campus departments to ensure seamless visit experiences and hospitality coordination
• Provide strategic input and collaboration on admissions marketing projects and initiatives

Bethany, a Messiah College alumna from the Class of 2002, holds a bachelor’s degree in history with a minor in journalism and a master’s degree in history and education from Columbia University’s Teachers College. With extensive experience in admissions, enterprise systems, and institutional research, she drives strategic initiatives to optimize enrollment technology, advance CRM capabilities, and strengthen recruitment strategies.

• Manage Slate CRM system operations, search strategies, and admissions data integrity
• Develop and optimize communications flow and business processes for enrollment operations
• Generate comprehensive reports and data analytics to support enrollment decision-making
• Serve as primary liaison with Information Technology Systems for enrollment technology needs

A West Virginia native and first-generation college graduate, JR earned his B.A. in Kinesiology and M.A. in Clinical Counseling from Marshall University. He brings a unique blend of educational background and athletic ministry experience, having served with Athletes in Action in Panama and Ireland. He also serves as the coach of the women’s club soccer team.

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for Student Financial Services Office and Falcon Exchange
• Partner with students and families to develop comprehensive financial strategies for college affordability
• Collaborate with campus offices including Dining Services, Financial Aid, Student Success, Registrar, and Residence Life to support student retention and success
• Deliver financial literacy workshops to students and parents throughout fall and spring semesters

Mike graduated from Messiah College with a bachelor’s degree in History and a minor in Business Administration.  He began working at Messiah in 1988 in a combination Admissions/Financial Aid position and transitioned to full time in Financial Aid two years later.  With his experience, he has extensive knowledge of Messiah’s financial aid programs, policies, and procedures.

• Oversee comprehensive financial aid programs and supervise professional and student staff teams
• Manage annual aid packaging processes and maintain compliance with federal regulations and reporting requirements
• Track regulatory changes and maintain financial aid policies, procedures, and policy manual
• Provide financial aid counseling and information dissemination to students, parents, and campus partners