WMU HOME > ABOUT WMU > WMU NEWS WMU hires veteran enrollment professional Dec. 13, 2004 KALAMAZOO--Veteran college admissions and enrollment professional John Beacon has been appointed vice provost for enrollment management at Western Michigan University. Beacon comes to WMU from the University of Maine, where he has been assistant provost and dean of enrollment management since 1997. His appointment at WMU is effective Feb. 1, 2005. "With John Beacon, we're hiring a very senior, seasoned colleague with nearly 37 years of experience in enrollment management, admissions and financial aid," said Dr. Linda Delene, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "I think it's important to note that he has been the admissions director at three research universities before coming to us." Beacon is expected to focus on the total enrollment management picture at WMU and will oversee such areas as admissions, financial aid, the university's First Year Experience program and the Registrar's Office. During Beacon's tenure, Maine has enjoyed a 60 percent increase in the enrollment of new first-time students. Prior to taking his current position, Beacon spent 10 years at the University of Nebraska, serving as both director of admissions and director of scholarships and financial aid during most of that time. In addition, he has held admissions directorships at Oklahoma State University, Eastern Illinois University and Illinois Valley Community College. Active in a number of admissions and enrollment management organizations, Beacon has served as a consultant in the former Soviet Union for the U.S. Information Agency and advised other universities and state education agencies. Beacon earned a bachelor's degree in 1967 from Parsons College and a master's degree in 1974 from Indiana State University. Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu WMU News Office of University Relations Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA 269 387-8400 www.wmich.edu/wmu/news