VP MacDonald is retiring
Greg MacDonald, Lafayette’s vice president for enrollment management, has announced his retirement, effective April 1.
“After 12 wonderful years at Lafayette, and 32 years in the profession we all love, I am pleased to announce my decision to retire,” MacDonald wrote in an email to his divisional staff. “Victoria asked me the other day what I am most proud of in our time here. Without question, I am most proud of the incredibly talented and dedicated team we have built together in the Enrollment Division. It has been an absolute honor for us to serve at Lafayette with you.”
MacDonald joined the College in 2010 as dean of admissions and financial aid, becoming vice president in 2014. During his tenure, applications to the College grew from 5,822 to a record high of 10,491 for the Class of 2026. Total enrollment grew from 2,414 to the current 2,725, while the financial aid budget increased from $33.7 million to $60.4 million.
During MacDonald’s tenure, the College’s total international representation increased from 143 in 2010 to 214 currently (an increase of 49.6%), and the domestic students of color increased from 367 to 562 (+53.1%). The College has expanded both its national and international footprint with MacDonald as the lead enrollment manager; applications for the Class of 2026 included over 450 new domestic high schools that had not previously sent an application to the College.
“We will find ways to celebrate Greg and his accomplishments in the weeks ahead,” said President Nicole Farmer Hurd. “We are grateful for all that Greg has done for the College, and we look forward to continuing his legacy of bringing incredible talent to this special place.”
Former Provost and Dean of the Faculty Wendy Hill, now a visiting professor in neuroscience, said: “Greg’s accomplishments are many, from reimagining the admissions ambassador program and tour experience to employing more sophisticated data analytics, enhancing access and need-based financial aid, and strategic outreach on the west coast and throughout the U.S. and beyond. Greg has done this all the while being a wonderful college citizen, affable and collegial, and establishing meaningful partnerships and friendships with faculty and staff.”
“Working alongside Greg for some five years has been a pleasure,” added Justin Corvino, professor of mathematics and chair of the faculty Enrollment Planning Committee. “The back-and-forth dialogue with, and the enrollment insights from Greg and his team have made the experience a meaningful one for me. Greg’s leadership of the Enrollment Division will have a lasting impact on the College, most recently having navigated Enrollment through three pandemic cycles, including being tasked with bringing in the biggest class in College history (this past fall), and positioning the College to garner a record number of applications this cycle.”
MacDonald, whose daughter, Gillian, is a member of the Class of 2022, said: “The MacDonald family looks forward to maintaining a lifelong relationship with this community that we have grown to love.”