It’s a challenging time at many college admissions offices across the country. The long-predicted demographic cliff in the number of college-bound high school graduates, rising tuition-discount rates many schools use to attract students and increased demand on ROI are putting pressure on admissions officials.
Jason Nevinger and his team are confident they are prepared for the challenge.
Jason Nevinger with his wife, Emily, and children Hayley and Bradley.
“Fewer students are graduating, those seeking college are applying to more colleges and universities than in the past, and there is a growing desire among students to attend larger public institutions, particularly in the South,” said Nevinger, interim vice president for Admissions, Financial Aid and Enrollment.
“This makes it even more important to differentiate ourselves in truly meaningful ways. I firmly believe that a post-secondary education makes you better as a person, employee and citizen. I also believe that going to a college that cares—where people work with you to develop your skills, cheer you on when you succeed, and support you when you falter—is worth it, and that's why I feel such a great sense of pride in being part of Union.”
He grew up in Belfast, N.Y., a town of fewer than 2,000 residents 90 minutes south of Rochester. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Westminster College in Pennsylvania.
Nevinger has more than 25 years of admissions experience, including nine years at the University of Rochester, where he was director of admissions before joining Union last fall.
He also spent nine years at Carnegie Mellon University, where he managed student recruitment, on-campus programming and large-scale admissions events.
“I still have a soft spot in my heart for all things Pittsburgh—the people, the food and the geography all left an indelible mark on me,” he said.
He splits his time between Schenectady and Rochester, where his family still lives: wife, Emily, children Bradley and Hayley, and an energetic English Springer Spaniel, Teddy (named after Teddy Roosevelt).
“I have loved my time at Union,” he said. “I appreciate the way we review applications and select students, looking for those who are not only academically capable but also truly engaged with their community. Students who are a good fit for Union are not so much undecided, but multi-decided. They have multiple interests, are engaged with others, and are naturally social. I also feel we look for students who aren't afraid to ask questions.
“There have been several moments during my first year here where a student held the door for me. It's an incredibly micro situation, but I think that speaks volumes about who we look for and who ultimately wants to be here.”
FIRST APP YOU LOOK AT IN THE MORNING:
I have lots of “go to” apps, but it is usually my calendar app, with my weather app a close second.
WHAT ARE YOU READING?
Most of my reading for pleasure happens in the summer. Recently, I re-read “Leadership” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. It’s a great book that explores different leadership styles at important moments in our nation’s history, featuring Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Franklin Roosevelt and Lyndon Johnson.
WHAT ARE YOU WATCHING:
I’m working through all of the Ken Burns PBS documentaries at the moment. Several of them are re-watches (Civil War, Lewis & Clark, Baseball), while others are new to me. I’m currently watching the series on the Vietnam War.
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU RECEIVED:
I grew up in a tiny town and attended a school that served K-12, all in one building. Our principal always ended the morning announcements with this statement: “Strive for excellence in all that you do.” I probably rolled my eyes more often than not after hearing it so many times, but I have thought about that statement often throughout my life. It’s not about achieving excellence (which always outdistances you); it’s about putting in the effort and doing the hard work, regardless of what it is you’re doing—big or small.
ONE SKILL YOU WISH YOU HAD:
I have always wanted to get my pilot's license, so I’ll say learning to fly.
THREE DINNER PARTY GUESTS (living or deceased):
Benjamin Franklin, Teddy Roosevelt and Jimmy Buffett. With their backgrounds, knowledge across subject matter, experiences and outlook on life, the dinner conversation would be pretty amazing.
LITTLE KNOWN FACT ABOUT YOU:
I had my appendix removed in Mexico while studying abroad during my junior year of college.
FAVORITE UNION MEMORY/EXPERIENCE:
My time at Union has been relatively short, but it’s going to be pretty hard to beat the weekend that we just had as a campus community. The inauguration of President Kiss, coupled with Homecoming and Family Weekend, was pretty special.
ONE THING YOU CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT:
My kids, without a doubt.
WHICH LIVING PERSON DO YOU MOST ADMIRE
My parents. I’m extremely lucky to have them in my life. They are in their mid-80s. I don’t see them often enough, but I have always admired them and how they have gone about their lives with an appreciation for others, humility and hard work. I need to go call them.