You bring 14 years of institutional experience at American University. How have you witnessed the college admissions and enrollment sphere change during that time?

Jeremy Lowe: Oh wow! Reflecting on this question has been a trip down memory lane. My first year in admissions was 2009. I had just graduated from college and was working at Barton College, my alma mater, as an admissions counselor. Practically, the technology of college admissions has changed a lot. For my first few years, I relied on printed maps to get to my high school visits and college fairs. We eventually got a GPS to use, but this pre-dated the smartphone era we all are familiar with today. Similarly, the first applications I reviewed were printed into folders, and we would make decisions and have them processed manually. We’d also fetch the mail every morning (I did this a lot!) and we’d open the transcripts and recommendation letters that came in so they could be processed. This was a fun way the office would bond. Every part of the job now is so integrated with technical systems and in the years ahead, AI. There are other differences, too, though this stands out the most. Students, by-and-large, remain the same—full of hope and promise and excited/nervous to navigate the college process. Students are what keep me going!  

What initially attracted you to American University? What keeps you here? 

JL: Looking back, I think AU found me more than me finding AU. American University and DC were exactly what I needed at that point early in my profession. I was really attracted to the ‘campus-in-the-city’ vibe that AU has, and thought DC would be an excellent place to be a young professional—and I was right. DC is the place that feels the most like home and AU remains my professional home because of wonderful people and students that make the place what it is. So much of what made AU special in those first few years was the team that taught me so much. I’ve made some wrong turns in my life, but choosing to work at AU wasn’t one of them…it was the best choice that has given me so much in the years since.  

What do you think are the big challenges ahead in college enrollment? What are the biggest opportunities?  

JL: Higher education, and by extension, college enrollment, is going through a period of change. National demographics are changing, and the role technology plays in the economy is also changing. This will lead to an impact on the industry's footprint in the US. Higher ed has gone through similar periods of change before – think WW2 and its impact on declining enrollment – and will adapt accordingly. While some may question the value of a college path given the rapid change and influence of technology in our lives, I can make a similar case for why a college experience remains relevant and necessary.  

What are your priorities and aspirations in your new role as Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management?  

JL: I am excited and humbled to serve AU during this time of transition. I am looking forward to being a collaborator with colleagues across campus to help tell the AU story while also supporting the wonderful team in the Office of Enrollment. It will be a meaningful experience that I am fully embracing.  

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work?  

JL: I have many hobbies and interests! I am an avid walker, a huge fan of basketball, a guitar player, and a watch enthusiast. I also enjoy watching movies and spending time with family and friends. I do/spend time with all these pursuits on a weekly basis and it brings me abundant joy in my life. If you share any of these interests, come chat with me about it!