NMU names new VP for enrollment

Courtesy:  Northern Michigan University

Steven Neiheisel is the new vice president for enrollment and student services at Northern Michigan University. He will supervise the following offices: Admissions, Financial Aid, Academic and Career Advisement Center, Dean of Students, Counseling and Consultation Services, Housing and Residence Life, International Programs and the Center for Student Enrichment.

Steve Heiheisel, NMU's new VP for enrollment
Courtesy NMU: Steve Heiheisel, NMU’s new VP for enrollment

Neiheisel has more than 25 years of management experience covering similar areas of responsibility at several public and private institutions. He most recently served as assistant vice president for enrollment management at the University of Idaho. In addition to his expertise in enrollment management, he is a career advocate of using information and information systems to personalize services, increase efficiency and effectiveness, better target services and communications and improve decision-making.

“We are excited to have Steve on board to help develop and implement enrollment management strategies in a challenging climate of declining high school demographics,” said NMU President David Haynes. “His extensive background in the field is complemented by his knowledge of tools such as analytics and information systems that can aid our recruitment and retention efforts.”

Neiheisel said, “I was attracted to Northern Michigan for several reasons, including the type of university it is. As a mid-size public institution, it has a breadth of strong academic programs to support targeted enrollment growth, but it is small enough to allow and support individual service and attention. The current leadership also recognizes the critical need to better connect recruitment and retention, allowing me to lead an integrated division. And my prior experience in the region made me appreciate its distinct qualities and natural beauty.”

Before settling in Idaho, Neiheisel spent seven years in Green Bay. He was assistant dean for enrollment services at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and then was based in the area as a higher education consultant with Jenzabar Inc.

Neiheisel holds both a master’s and doctorate in higher education administration from The Ohio State University. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and information systems from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He was one of three finalists NMU brought to campus for interviews and is scheduled to begin his new duties Nov. 1.