Education

Ed.D., Higher Education Leadership, Concordia University Chicago
M.Ed., Curriculum Development, Heidelberg University
B.S., Communication, West Liberty State University

Background

Chris Harris is a higher education professional with over 25 years of experience in enrollment management, admissions and financial aid. He joined the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management in December 2024 as its first director of graduate marketing and recruitment. Harris has expertise in strategic planning, budgeting and staff development, along with a talent for balancing institutional and student needs.

Prior to HRSM, Harris served as senior enrollment strategist and interim director of marketing at Capture Higher Ed, where he supported sales, marketing and partner relationships. He developed and delivered webinars for enrollment professionals, produced marketing content and led conferences to showcase innovative strategies. His role involved leveraging data analytics to optimize student enrollment processes and improve institutional performance.

Previously, Harris served as dean of enrollment management at Newberry College, where he achieved record application rates and oversaw a $15 million scholarship budget. He developed data-driven strategies to improve retention and launched the college’s first CRM platform. As director of admissions at the University of Findlay, he managed multiple offices, created recruitment plans and implemented marketing campaigns to increase enrollment.

Earlier in his career, Harris held leadership roles at Lake Erie College, Hondros College of Nursing, MedCentral College of Nursing and Paul Smith’s College. He spearheaded recruitment efforts, enhanced financial aid programs and implemented enrollment strategies that drove institutional growth. His experience also includes teaching and mentoring first-year students to support their transition into college life.

Harris is an active member of professional organizations such as NACAC, SACRAO and NASFAA. He has presented at national conferences and hosted numerous webinars focused on enrollment marketing and student recruitment. Harris’s commitment to higher education is reflected in his ability to lead teams, develop innovative strategies and foster lasting institutional success.

Professional Affiliations

• National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)
• Southern Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (SACRAO)
• National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA)