Washington College has named Satyajit Dattagupta, an admissions executive at the University of Rochester with a strong background in computer science and data analysis, as its new Vice President for Enrollment Management. He will succeed Kevin Coveney, who is stepping down July 1 after 30 successful years of growing enrollment at the College.
In making the announcement, Washington College president Mitchell B. Reiss said the Search Committee was especially impressed with Dattagupta’s understanding of how cutting-edge technology can be used to promote the College and reach prospective students and their families. “It’s clear from his past success that Satyajit brings tremendous energy, passion and intelligence to whatever challenge he tackles. He knows how to analyze data, build cohesive teams and create effective strategies. And he understands the new media world and how colleges need to adjust their thinking in a very competitive marketplace.”
At the University of Rochester, Dattagupta serves as Executive Director of the Office of College Enrollment, leading a team of 14 employees in planning and executing communications, marketing and technology strategies for university admissions. In his more than two years as director, he has invested in areas such as process engineering, data-driven marketing and analysis, 3D modeling, social media and video. These innovations have helped Rochester create a 25 percent increase in applications over three years, with desired yields (accepted students who enroll) and a stronger freshman class profile.
“Washington College is gaining a tremendous professional in Satyajit,” says Jonathan Burdick, the dean of admissions and financial aid at the University of Rochester. “I have known him for five years and have enjoyed our work together at Rochester. I couldn’t be more proud of him, and I’m glad to see that in Washington College he has found a new leadership platform. I predict great opportunities and growth for everyone there in Chestertown in the years ahead.”
Dattagupta’s previous positions include two years at DePauw University as associate director of admission and coordinator of information technology, and two years as a project manager and web analyst for Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, the governing body for 31 schools operating in 47 communities.
A native of Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Dattagupta earned both a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s in business administration from Southwest Minnesota State University. He will move to Chestertown with his wife, Priyanka, this summer and officially starts his new job July 1.
“Enrollment management is a marriage of the science of numbers and the art of recruiting,” he says. “And I am excited about applying my expertise and experience in both those areas at Washington College, building on what Kevin and his team have created.”
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