Michael Beseda, Willamette's current vice president for Enrollment and University Communications, will become a senior administrator at the University of San Francisco (USF). USF appointed Beseda as vice provost for strategic enrollment management following a national search.
In a message to the campus community, President Steve Thorsett announced Beseda's departure and recognized his efforts to shape Willamette's admission, financial aid and communications efforts.
Beseda's last day at Willamette will be October 7 and he will begin his new role at USF on October 10.
CAMPUS ANNOUNCEMENT
Dear Willamette community,
Michael Beseda, Vice President for Enrollment and University Communications, has let me know that he has accepted a position at the University of San Francisco as Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management. His last day at Willamette will be October 7th. For Michael, whose wife Maureen is a tenured faculty member in California, this is a welcome return home to the Bay Area.
Since joining Willamette in June 2013, Michael’s leadership has resulted in the development of our first institutional marketing plan, a renewed and mobile-optimized website, a strengthened university magazine, more robust internal communication mechanisms such as the Bearcat Bulletin, and enhanced undergraduate recruitment and aid strategies responsive to a more competitive and challenging environment. Perhaps most importantly, he has strengthened the staff in all of the offices he has supervised and recruited dynamic and highly competent leaders for the units he has led.
With excellent leadership in place in the key areas of communications, admissions, and financial aid, I am confident that Michael is leaving us strongly placed to meet our enrollment goals and support our internal and external communications needs. I plan to take some time to consider options and talk with his staff and others before moving forward with interim or long-term plans for hiring or reorganization.
Please join me in thanking Michael for his many contributions to Willamette.
Steve
