ADMISSION LEADER

Shawn Abbott, Tulane’s new vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission, takes the helm as the university has become one of the most sought-after schools in America.

Shawn Abbott is vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission. (Photo by Ryan Brandenberg)

Tulane continues to attract the best and brightest and most academically qualified students in the country.

“We have an enviable yield on offers of admission to the point where now the majority of students that have been offered admission accept their offer,” said Abbott.

As another sign of recruitment success, 30% of new Tulane students identify as students of color.

“It’s now my responsibility to look at areas where the university could continue that success and where maybe we haven’t had the kind of success that people are hoping for and focus on those areas.”

“We have an enviable yield on offers of admission to the point where now the majority of students that have been offered admission accept their offer.”

SHAWN ABBOTT, vice president for enrollment management and dean of admission

An area in which Abbott expects to do better is in the recruitment of students from low-income backgrounds — with an emphasis on expanded financial aid opportunities. Among the programs that Abbott will tout is Louisiana Promise, an initiative of President Michael Fitts. Louisiana Promise Financial Awards meet the full financial need, without loans, for Louisiana high school graduates who have been admitted to Tulane as full-time first-year students and come from families that make less than $100,000 and meet other program requirements.

Abbott would also like to step up international recruitment. With Tulane’s location in New Orleans, “We should be more of an American destination for international students,” said Abbott.

By: Mary Ann Travis

Winter 2023