Lander University has announced the appointment of Dr. Todd Gambill, a 30-year veteran of higher education administration, as the university's next Vice President for Enrollment and Access Management.
Gambill, who currently serves as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management at Indiana University Kokomo, will begin his duties at Lander on March 16. His background includes a breadth of experience in enrollment management, student services, facilities, auxiliary services and athletics.
"We are excited to welcome aboard Dr. Todd Gambill to lead our enrollment strategies at Lander University and to continue the incredible momentum we have built in recruitment and access management over the last four years," said Lander President Richard Cosentino. "Todd's innovative leadership has yielded impressive results at IU Kokomo during his tenure. His student-centered focus, considerable experience and versatile skills align perfectly with our own strategic initiatives."
Gambill said that he loves "institutions that serve a wide range of students. There are many capable and willing students of all ages and backgrounds who only need an opportunity and conscientious support in order to flourish in higher education. Lander University offers these opportunities and support mechanisms."
Along with becoming more familiar with Lander's campus and culture, Gambill said he is looking forward to working with the staff in his division to find ways the university can continue to enhance its enrollment strategies and processes. "Lander has beautiful facilities, dedicated and accomplished faculty, and a price point that makes it accessible to most qualified students," he said. "Much of our work will focus on communicating these incredible opportunities to our stakeholders."
At IU Kokomo, where he has served as vice chancellor since 2013, Gambill has implemented progressive recruitment strategies that have resulted in five consecutive years of record enrollments, as well as increases in the academic strength of the school's freshman classes. Along with crafting a cutting-edge admissions process, he has been instrumental in guiding IU Kokomo's marketing efforts, establishing effective scholarship programs and attracting diverse student populations. On the student affairs side, Gambill added eight intercollegiate sports and created the school's first Counseling and Psychological Services office. Over the past seven years, retention at the school has increased, while student loan default rates have decreased.
Prior to Kokomo, Gambill spent 10 years at Georgetown College in Kentucky, where he was Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students. While there, he helped redesign the college's residence life program, implemented numerous safety measures, and expanded Georgetown's career development program, placing a strong emphasis on internships, networking and employment.
Gambill has also served in a number of leadership positions with the University of Virginia's College at Wise, including as Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. In that role, he helped orchestrate the design and construction of a 116-bed residence hall and a $10 million student center. A native of western North Carolina, Gambill began his higher education career at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, N.C., where he held administrative roles with student activities, residence life, and campus recreation and intramurals.
"I am a builder. My teams and I have built record enrollments, athletic opportunities, facilities, dynamic programs and entrepreneurial partnerships," Gambill said. However, his most fulfilling professional accomplishments can be found in the successes of the students he has served and supported along the way.
"There is tremendous power in the college experience, and I have found my calling in helping students harness that power," he said.
Gambill holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Virginia, where he also received an M.Ed. in Social Foundations of Education/Higher Education. He holds a second master's degree in sport management from Appalachian State University, and a bachelor's degree in that same field from Pfeiffer University. He is a graduate of Indiana University's Executive Leadership Institute, the University of Kentucky's College Business Management Institute, and the University of Edinburgh's Future of Higher Education Institute.
Gambill and his wife, Dr. Jeannie Gambill, have three children: sons Reeves and Brice, who will be joining their parents in Greenwood; and daughter Embree, who is currently completing her degree at IU Kokomo.