Park University designates Dr. Paul Orscheln in the role of Vice President for Admissions and Student Services.
Paul Orscheln, a seasoned veteran in the field of higher education, has been appointed as the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services at Park University, effective from March 3, 2025. Orscheln brings with him a wealth of experience spanning over 26 years in student success and enrollment, with the last 13 years at the executive level.
Orscheln's extensive background in higher education enrollment services and admissions includes stints at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Colorado State University - Pueblo, and most recently, Westminster College in Fulton, Mo.
Orscheln's athletic background is equally impressive. As a student at the University of Central Missouri, he was a two-time NCAA Division II men's track and field All-American in the 3000-meter steeplechase (1994-95). He was also a member of the 1993 CMSU men's cross country team which tied for fifth in the D-2 national championship meet and was inducted into CMSU's Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. Orscheln still ranks ninth in school history in the 3000-meter steeplechase event at CMSU, and his athletic career contributed significantly to the team's success in national championship meets.
In his new role at Park University, Orscheln will oversee the university’s student enrollment processes and enhance student services to support retention, satisfaction, and success. His main responsibilities will include developing and implementing enrollment management strategies to meet recruitment and enrollment goals, leading admissions, registrar, financial aid, and related student service functions, creating student support programs to improve engagement, retention, and overall student experience, and collaborating with academic departments and administrative units to align services with institutional goals.
Orscheln will also ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to enrollment and student services, manage teams responsible for recruitment, admissions, enrollment verification, and student assistance, and provide leadership to departments including enrollment and student services, international student admissions and services, student financial services, marketing, campus center operations, and athletics.
Furthermore, Orscheln's responsibilities will include directing recruitment efforts according to the University's strategic direction and mission, working on overarching University policies and procedures, and addressing issues of access, affordability, college readiness, and the K-16 pipeline, and student success.
Orscheln earned a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education/exercise science from Central Missouri State University (now University of Central Missouri), a Master of Science degree in exercise and sport science from the same institution, and a Doctor of Education degree in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Missouri - Columbia.
Orscheln's appointment at Park University is a testament to his proven track record in enrollment strategy, student success, and institutional growth. His leadership aims to maintain a sustainable student population while fostering a positive campus environment that supports student achievement and satisfaction at Park University.
- Paul Orscheln's extensive experience in higher education enrollment services and admissions, along with his leadership roles over the past 13 years, aligns him perfectly with the education-and-self-development sector.
- In his new role at Park University, Orscheln's main focus will be to facilitate student enrollment processes, establish student support programs, and address issues related to access, affordability, college readiness, and the K-16 pipeline - all crucial aspects of education-and-self-development.
