Offices of Enrollment Management and Student Services Joining Forces to Optimize Student Experience

Westminster College is pleased to announce the offices of Enrollment Management and Student Services continue to unite efforts to focus on optimizing every phase of the Westminster experience, from recruitment through graduation.

Effective March 3, 2025, Derek Zander will transition to Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Services, bringing to the office his leadership experience from Intercollegiate Athletics, Athletics Advancement and Strategic Programs. This strategic shift enhances student engagement and support.

A national search will begin for a new Director of Athletics, who will guide the department forward under Zander’s leadership.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my role in being an advocate for student-athletes and enhancing their experience. I look forward to expanding my present role to encompass the entire student body and the path from the initial interest in Westminster throughout their entire collegiate journey. I’m confident we can make an even greater impact with the joining of these capable teams,” he said.

Zander will begin his new dual-department duties after working last fall alongside Dr. Paul Orscheln in Enrollment, with assistance from Donald P. Lofe Jr., President and Chief Transformation Officer. Together, Zander and Orscheln began overseeing Student Services during a time of transition and development.

In that time, Student Services welcomed Marina Turner, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership, as well as Darryl Glenn, Director of Residential Life, both of whom have brought extensive experience to their positions. Zander has expressed confidence in their capability as a team, with both excelling alongside all Student Services staff members in the reorganized structure.

Meanwhile, Zander and Orscheln collaborated in creating a path forward between the two departments. Orscheln has overseen Enrollment since 2019.

Having recently accepted an expanded position at Park University in Parkville, Missouri, Orscheln explained he is leaving the College at a time of growth and stability. He looks forward to new challenges after exceeding goals put into place after he arrived at Westminster, where applications and enrollment have increased 140% and 33%, respectively, in the last five years.

“I have a great fondness for Westminster, and I am pleased with the progress the College has made, as my goal has consistently been to build strong teams while also increasing enrollment,” Orscheln said. “Westminster is in a good place, and I look forward to following the strides it will make in the coming years.”

Lofe said the transitions taking place at Westminster put student needs first by building a bridge from admissions and through the college experience. The new structure will create a centralized department that prioritizes knowing its students personally.

“At Westminster and in his previous roles for nearly a decade, Derek has worked closely with Enrollment Management and built strong programs while bolstering student enrollment and promoting a positive student experience. His drive and expertise in these areas are exactly why he is the right person for this departmental shift in focus in recruitment to this excellent small college,” Lofe said. “I truly want to thank Paul for his dedication to Westminster and wish him well in his new endeavor. I also sincerely congratulate Derek on his new role with the Offices of Enrollment Management and Student Services.”