Westminster Welcomes Dr. Paul Orscheln as V.P. and Dean of Enrollment Services

Westminster College is excited to announce Dr. Paul Orscheln as the new Vice President and Dean in the Department of Enrollment Services. Orscheln began his duties Oct. 3.

Originally from Moberly, MO, Orscheln is an enrollment services powerhouse, bringing more than 20 years of successful experience in the field to the College. In his most recent post as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Retention at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Orscheln increased freshman enrollment by 22 percent. Likewise, the number of campus visitors at the university increased by 45 percent and transfer student enrollment went up by more than 12 percent during Orscheln’s tenure.

Orscheln also previously worked in enrollment at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and Colorado State University-Pueblo. True to his reputation, Orscheln was responsible for a 15 percent increase in freshman enrollment and an 8 percent increase in transfer enrollment while at Colorado State.

Keep reading to find out more about what inspires Orscheln to achieve success.

Please tell a little about your education. Where did you earn your degrees?

I went to the University of Central Missouri and graduated with a B.S. in 1996 and an M.S. in 1998, both in Exercise Science. I earned a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 2012.

Can you tell us a little bit about your goals for Westminster’s Department of Enrollment Services?

I hope to help Westminster maximize its enrollment potential. It’s a great place, and we will do everything we can to make it a school of choice for prospective students.

You have a long career working in Enrollment. What do you like about the profession? What draws you to it?

I love the energy. It’s a fast-paced environment, and I thrive in that kind of atmosphere. Also, helping students and their families through the college-decision process and then seeing them through to graduation is extremely gratifying. I honestly believe we help dreams come true.

What are you most looking forward to about working at Westminster?

The people I’ve interacted with so far have been incredible. They have such a passion for Westminster. I really want to be part of that. I also believe the institution has a tremendous reputation, and I look forward to sharing that message with prospective students and families.

What are your hobbies and interests?

Binging shows on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Video with my wife, Brenda, and watching my kids — Mason (16) and Nick (12) — compete in their athletic endeavors.

Speed round: What are your favorite foods, TV shows and movies?

Food: pepperoni pizza and an ice-cold coke; TV: It’s a tie between Seinfeld and The Office; Movie: There are tons that I watch over and over again, but I would have to say it’s between Christmas Vacation and Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure.

What is something about yourself that nobody else knows?

By looking at me now, it would be hard to believe I was a two-time track All-American at Central Missouri State.