The college has recently found a new Vice President of Enrollment Management, Costas Solomou, who previously worked as the dean of undergraduate admissions at The George Washington University. He joined the campus community on Aug. 8.
Former Vice President for Enrollment Services, Meghan Arena, stepped down from the position on Feb. 1. Director of Admissions Kimberly Harvey assumed her role throughout the 2019 spring semester.
The Office of Enrollment Services primarily manages the path students follow before they enter the college. Specifically, the vice president supervises admissions, financial aid and programs that market the college to prospective students.
“I was intrigued by [the position] because of the reputation I knew Geneseo had,” Solomou said. “I went through the process and the more I learned about Geneseo, the more I was drawn to it. I am excited to work in a collaborative environment … everyone is so friendly here, and there seems to be this authenticity about Geneseo that I am excited about.”
According to Solomou, when he learned about the position, he was eager to take the opportunity to move back to the area.
“Growing up in Rochester, I was always fond of Geneseo, knew of Geneseo … it was the ‘public ivy’ in many ways,” Solomou said. “I had a chance to meet with many students, faculty members, alumni … I spoke to my cousins who went here, and there was a lot of enthusiasm for me to accept the position. I felt the connection.”
Solomou graduated from St. John Fisher College with a bachelor’s degree, and sought higher education at the University of Rochester, where he received his masters and doctorate degrees.
“I chose a liberal arts college for my undergraduate work because I was drawn to, and believe in, a liberal arts education,” Solomou said. “That was another large attraction to me when considering this position here at Geneseo. Being back at a liberal arts college, I feel like I have found my home again.”
Solomou said that he has worked in higher education for almost 20 years.
“I have had the opportunity to work at national and global research universities that draw students from all over the country and all over the world, that offer a wide variety of programs,” Solomou said. “Those positions offered their own array of challenges and opportunities, as every institution has those challenges and incredible opportunities at the same time.”
Prior to working at The George Washington University, Solomou served Queens University of Charlotte, N.C. as the dean of admissions. He has also worked at the University of Rochester as the head of undergraduate admissions activities.
“Having worked at different institutions, including a small liberal arts college in the south, I feel that I have a unique lens to analyze the kind of work that we do here at Geneseo,” Solomou said. “I think that in my different positions I have gained lots of perspective, and often see things from a different point of view. I feel prepared for the challenges that come from working at any institution.”
At Queens University of Charlotte, Solomou sought to strengthen the undergraduate population by seeking out-of-state transfer students. At the University of Rochester, he began an inclusive data-driven recruitment and outreach program that further developed out-of-state and international recruitment partnerships.
In an article published on the Geneseo website celebrating his hiring, President Denise Battles said, “Costas’ shared sense of our institutional values, combined with his strategic experience, make him an ideal addition to SUNY Geneseo. I am confident that, under his leadership, the College will attract an even greater diversity of student talent, perspectives and experiences to our campus community.”
Solomou said he is wrapping up his second year as a regional council member for the College Board, and he currently serves on the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. He is also a member of the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admissions Counseling Government Relations Committee.
“My involvement in a number of different aspects within higher education has provided many unique opportunities where, now, I can showcase Geneseo while advocating for students and for these organizations to be student centered,” Solomou said.