MONMOUTH – Western Oregon University has appointed Dave McDonald to serve as interim dean of admissions, enrollment management and retention. Through this position, McDonald will focus on student recruitment, retention, and degree completion for WOU.

This renewed attention is a reflection of the university’s renewed commitment to student access and success. McDonald will use the understanding of Oregon higher education gained by working for the Oregon University System Chancellor’s Office to promote WOU among potential students and highlight the university’s outstanding student-focused academic, social and career-related opportunities.

Western Oregon University President John Minahan said: "David McDonald comes to us witha comprehensive understanding of best national practices related to student recruitment and retention. His accomplishments andleadership skills,along withhis knowledge of best practices, leave him well suited to assist the university in obtaining its recruitment and retention and student-success goals."

McDonald joined WOU after working as enrollment and student services director for the OUS. In that position he was a member of the senior management team for OUS. His duties included overseeing enrollment management and policy, affordability, student success and K-16 planning for OUS.

McDonald is an Oregon native who holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Washington.   Prior to returning to Oregon in 1999 he worked at two University of California campuses where he focused on student access and retention.