Robert Durkle named chief recruitment and admissions officer at Wright State

As chief recruitment and admissions officer, Robert Durkle will play a pivotal role in the execution of Wright State’s recruitment, retention, and relationship strategies.

Robert Durkle will join Wright State University as the new chief recruitment and admissions officer, effective June 1, 2020.

Durkle has held leadership positions in admissions, recruitment, and financial aid at the University of Dayton throughout his 40-year career. He currently serves as the associate vice president of enrollment management and dean of admission and financial aid.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Wright State faces reductions in vital state funding and a decline in student enrollment. Although Wright State expects to have to make more difficult changes to university operations, Wright State must continue to invest in recruiting more students, especially those from the local direct from high school, transfer and unemployed sectors, said President Sue Edwards.

“Now more than ever, our strategies of recruitment, retention and relationships are vital for the future of our university,” she said. “As chief recruitment and admissions officer, Mr. Durkle will play a pivotal role in the execution of these strategies.”

Durkle will report to Edwards as a member of the senior leadership team. He will focus on executing a strategic recruitment plan that builds strong relationships throughout Raider Country. Through this new position, he will interact with all aspects of university operations and student life, and create effective relationships with faculty, staff and alumni to assist with the recruitment of students. He will oversee Undergraduate Recruitment, Admissions, Financial Aid, RaiderConnect, UCIE, Transfer, College Credit Plus and the Office of Marketing.

As a lifelong Dayton-area resident with four decades of higher education experience in the area, Edwards said, “Durkle is uniquely suited to hit the ground running to lead Wright State’s recruitment and admissions efforts.”

“He knows Raider Country,” she said. “Through many initiatives he has created in the region, he has a clear understanding of the needs of our students and their families, and embraces the important role Wright State plays in supporting our community and state. Mr. Durkle’s existing relationships and connections around the region will also help Wright State as we continue to work to restore the local community’s trust and confidence in our university.”

Edwards also noted that Durkle values people, learning, partnerships, relationships, sustainability and stewardship.

Durkle also has strong connections to Wright State. His oldest daughter, Jennifer Durkle Napier, is a graduate of our nursing program and his father, Fred Durkle, finished his career at the Wright State Nutter Center.

He earned a Master of Science in Education and a Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Dayton.