Neill F. Sanders, dean of undergraduate admissions at Vanderbilt University, has been named College dean of undergraduate enrollment policy and management at the University of Rochester. In that role, he will oversee admissions and financial aid programs for the College's undergraduate body.
"In a very strong field of candidates, Neill Sanders stood out as an exceptional individual," said Provost Charles E. Phelps. "We're delighted to have him."
Sanders will report to the provost and maintain a close working relationship with the College dean.
At Vanderbilt, undergraduate applications increased by more than a third during Sanders' seven-year tenure. The geographical and racial diversity, the quality of students as judged by test scores, class ranks, and high school grade point averages also increased significantly during that time.
Sanders has published and presented widely in admissions circles, and has consulted for the College Board.
"One of the primary reasons I'm coming to Rochester is the opportunity to work with the institution's leadership on a clearly defined vision of the University as expressed through the Renaissance Plan," Sanders said. "This is an innovative approach to education, and to academic management, and I look forward to making a contribution to the plan."
He holds a B.A. in American history from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in American History from the University of Missouri-Columbia, where he was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
He has served as dean of admissions and assistant professor of history at Harris-Stowe State College (1971-74), assistant professor of history at the University of Missouri-Columbia (1974), assistant director of admissions and adjunct professor of history at the University of Missouri-Saint Louis (1974-83), associate director of admissions and adjunct associate professor of history at Washington State University (1983-87), and director of admissions and adjunct associate professor of history at Wichita State University (1987-89).