Valparaiso University Names Vice President for Enrollment, Marketing and Communications

April 13, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – Valparaiso University welcomes Brian O’Rourke, M.Ed., as the vice president for enrollment, marketing and communications, effective June 1, 2021. Most recently, O’Rourke has served as vice president for enrollment management at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Los Angeles.

In his role as vice president, O’Rourke will oversee Undergraduate Admission, Financial Aid and Integrated Marketing and Communications. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education enrollment and marketing and an accomplished history of success realizing and maintaining record undergraduate student enrollment and retention.

“Brian O’Rourke will bring enthusiastic and engaged leadership to his role as we recruit the future leaders and successful graduates of Valparaiso University,” said José D. Padilla, University president. “Enrollment is a top priority for any university and requires strong, steadfast leadership. I’m confident we will benefit from Brian’s experience in enrollment growth that is not just focused on numbers but on strengthening diversity, academic excellence and student retention. I look forward to his insight and impact at Valpo.”

O’Rourke exemplifies Valparaiso University’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity at every level of the enrollment process, from the initial recruitment of prospective students, to admission to the University and retention of enrolled students. His experience includes extensive work within and oversight of a variety of offices including undergraduate and graduate admission, financial aid, student accounts, international student services and enrollment marketing.

“I am truly excited to join Valparaiso University and the local community. Valpo continues to innovate with the addition of new majors to meet future employer needs,” said Brian O’Rourke. “It’s rare to find institutions with this high level of academic strength in both the liberal arts and professional programs. My family and I look forward to serving the University, our students and the city of Valparaiso.”

O’Rourke holds a master of education, enrollment management and policy from the University of Southern California Rossier School of Education and a bachelor’s from the University of Southern California. He is a member of the Western Association of College Admission Counseling through which he has been a presenter and mentor at various conferences. O’Rourke is also a member of the National Association of College Admission Counseling and has presented at various national conferences for the association.