After seven years with the University of California system,
Kevin Brownesaid he moved to Merced this past summer because he was interested in doing things a new way.
“A lot of the campuses operate on a legacy system,” the new assistant vice chancellor of
enrollment managementsaid. “A lot of the thinking is “this is the way we’ve always done it so that’s how we are going to do it.”
While Browne contends there is success in doing things the tried-and-true way, he wanted to be nearer the groundbreaking of a new university where he could help build a new legacy.
Browne has the task of overseeing enrollment operations, a position he previously held at UC Merced’s sister campus in Santa Cruz. He said coming from another “newer” university has made for a smooth transition and that he hopes to help make UC Merced just as well known as the other University of California campuses.
Browne said UC Merced enrollment is at where he expected it to be – 1,871 students enrolled in the fall semester about 543 more students than the previous year. He credits the growing enrollment to the increase in academic offerings, the completion of campus construction and the university’s research efforts.
Even though outreach plays a strong role in recruitment, trying to reach the 1,200 high school classrooms in California is a challenge for a new university.
At the risk of using a word he admittedly hates, Browne believes it is the word of mouth by students that has put the campus on the “radar.” He also strongly believes that having students visit the campus plays a larger role in enrollment than people think.
He should know.
Raised in a suburban town, Browne said he attended college in a fast-paced urban city and felt that it was the right decision. Students who want a quality education without having to commute far from home might find UC Merced to be the ideal location, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone.
“If they have their hearts set on an urban campus,” he said, “Merced is going to be a bit of a shock. Students have got to be happy.
Visiting the campusallows students to make an informed decision.”
