Kirk Carlson

Vice President for Enrollment Management
Enrollment Management Division

Kirk Carlson joined Otterbein as vice president for enrollment management in July 2024. He is responsible for collaborating with departments across campus to develop strategic, data-driven recruitment strategies for enrollment success in the competitive Ohio and Midwestern markets.

Kirk has more than 25 years of experience in higher education administration, with a proven track record of success in enrollment management and financial services. He previously served as associate vice president of enrollment and student financial services at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, MN.

One of his first projects at Otterbein is the development of a new, institution-wide, strategic enrollment plan. Kirk also oversees the development of multiyear enrollment models that allow Otterbein to project enrollment for planning and budgeting purposes and enhances relationships with Ohio’s Community and Technical Colleges to grow the transfer enrollment pipeline.

Kirk works collaboratively with Otterbein’s athletics and admission staff, evaluates current recruitment strategies and admission processes for student athletes, and develops best practices for creative and proactive enrollment strategies and processes for student athletes. He provides insight and data supporting the addition of new academic or athletic programs.

Additionally, Kirk works with his colleagues within the Ohio Athletic Conference Enrollment Managers’ group to enhance collaborative recruitment activities and awareness that private universities may be a better fit for many students than public universities.

He received his master’s degree in educational leadership from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College.