Donald C. Bishop, a long-time admissions leader in higher education and a University of Notre Dame graduate, has been appointed associate vice president for undergraduate enrollment at Notre Dame, effective Dec. 1. He succeeds Daniel J. Saracino, who retired in June.
In addition to directing the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, Bishop will oversee the Office of Student Financial Services, a new collaboration that will help Notre Dame attract and recruit highly talented students whose interests and aspirations align with the University’s mission as a Catholic university.
“Don Bishop brings broad experience, honed skills, and a deep understanding of Notre Dame to this position” said Thomas G. Burish, Notre Dame’s provost. “He has been highly effective in advancing the enrollment objectives at each university he has served, and doing so in a way consistent with the culture of the institution. He has used innovative marketing and financial aid strategies to help attract and recruit superb entering classes.
“Don also understands, and is committed to, the special mission of Notre Dame. I very much look forward to working with him as we build upon the momentum that Dan Saracino established during his 13-year tenure.”
Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., Notre Dame’s president, added: “As an alumnus and the parent of a Notre Dame graduate, Don has a deep love for this institution and appreciates the distinctive educational opportunities that Notre Dame offers as a premier Catholic research university. I am delighted to welcome him back to his alma mater.”
After earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Notre Dame, Bishop began working in the University’s admissions office in 1977. Later, as associate director of the office, he initiated the University’s first comprehensive marketing research activity for admissions and financial aid, which led to increased recruitment initiatives and improved results. During that time he also earned a master’s degree in economics from the University and served on the Alumni Association ’s Board of Directors.
In 1985, Bishop was appointed dean of enrollment management at Ohio Wesleyan University, where over the next decade he successfully recruited more academically talented students who were drawn to the institution’s commitment to service.
From 1996 to 2002, Bishop served as the associate dean of students and enrollment management at the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration, the world’s leading school in the field. During these years, the academic profile as well as the student’s leadership and entrepreneurial abilities achieved record levels.
Bishop was the associate vice president for enrollment management at Creighton University from 2002 to 2009, helping the Catholic university reach historic highs in freshman enrollment and doubling the number of students of color.
For the past year, Bishop has transformed the enrollment office at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the top-ranked aviation and aerospace university in the world, to help that institution market its programs more effectively. Throughout his career he has been sought out to elevate quality universities to a new level of enrollment accomplishments.
Under Bishop’s direction, Notre Dame will continue its long-standing commitment to need-blind admissions, reflecting not only the University’s desire to build the most outstanding classes possible, but also its belief, in line with its mission as a Catholic institution, that a Notre Dame education should be available to any student talented enough to be accepted, regardless of financial circumstances. Notre Dame also remains committed to meeting the full demonstrated need of each admitted student and has made financial aid its top fund-raising priority in order to be more competitive in the aid packages it offers.
Bishop’s wife, Marie, also earned a bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame. They have three children, including Libby, a 2003 graduate of Notre Dame who was the second woman to serve as the University’s student body president.